Ryan Garcia has dismissed Conor Benn as an "average fighter" undeserving of a shot at his WBC welterweight title, ahead of their bout at Las Vegas's T-Mobile Arena on Saturday. The remarks come during a fractious build-up in which Garcia has skipped a scheduled face-off and repeatedly downplayed Benn's ability, prompting accusations that he is overlooking his opponent despite the fight marking the first defence of his belt.

Garcia, 28, is seeking his 26th win in 29 professional bouts, while Benn, 29, has not fought at welterweight since April 2022. Garcia told BBC Sport that Benn is "athletic" and benefits from his family name but is not in the class of a fighter like Floyd Mayweather, though he acknowledged Benn's aggressive, forward-coming style would make for a "rugged fight". The pair have also clashed over contrasting fight-camp approaches and personalities, with Garcia branding Benn "a bit of a hypocrite" for projecting humility while enjoying a high-profile lifestyle.