Conor Benn Calls Out Ryan Garcia For Having Some ‘Nice Relaxing Time’

Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) recently raised concerns by not showing up for his face-off against Conor Benn (25-1, 14 KOs). While the former might have found it funny, Benn wasn’t one to let him live it down

Garcia posted an Instagram story as Benn arrived at the face-off, showing him apparently relaxing instead of getting to the venue.

“Nice relaxing time,” he wrote as a rather distasteful dig at his opponent, who made an effort to get there. Garcia then doubled down on his berating by writing, “Back to the Sauna you go, sausage getting cooked every way.”

There is no sugarcoating it; from a normal professional standpoint, it was pretty rude, especially because Benn actually showed up for the scheduled media obligation and was left standing there without his opponent. The face-off was arranged as part of fight week, so Garcia wasn’t simply declining a spontaneous confrontation; he skipped a promotional commitment that both fighters were expected to fulfill.

And with his Instagram story, Garcia appears to have deliberately turned the no-show into psychological warfare rather than simply forgetting or missing the appointment.

Benn, who showed up with his father, Nigel Benn, seemed irritated and embarrassed on Garcia’s behalf and determined not to let the snub go unanswered. Rather than seeing it as clever mind games, he seemed to see it as his failing to show the same professionalism and willingness to confront him that he (Benn) had demonstrated.

“Well guys, I apologize for Ryan doing what Ryan does and bottling it. We turn up, we’re here, ready for the face-off,” he said. “He needs to get his shit together because come Saturday, he’s going to be in for a big, big shock.”

“This Is Mine”

Meanwhile, Benn is certain he deserves not only the belt but also an explosive finish. Talking at an interview with Ring Magazine, he opened up about how he wants the fight to go.

“I don’t [believe it goes the distance]. I hand on heart believe I get hold of him. That’s what I believe in my heart. I believe that 10 years in the game this year, I believe this is mine for the taking,” he said.

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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