Fiery Exchange at Fanatics Fest: Garcia and Benn Nearly Brawl in New York Ahead of Sept. 12 Title Clash
By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 21 Jul 2026
Tensions reached a boiling point at Fanatics Fest inside New York City as WBC Welterweight World Champion Ryan Garcia and mandatory challenger Conor Benn faced off at the kickoff press conference for their blockbuster September 12 showdown at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The press conference—hosted under the Zuffa Boxing banner alongside Dana White—descended into chaotic back-and-forth shouting match that required security and event organizers to intervene.
Key Highlights & Press Conference Takeaways
• "Spoiled Brat" vs. "Influencer": Conor Benn held nothing back, dismissing Garcia’s pedigree and mental toughness. Benn labeled Garcia a "spoiled brat" and an "influencer" who throws social media tantrums, promising to hand Garcia a grueling 12-round fight he cannot withstand.
• Bold Predictions from Garcia: Garcia mocked Benn's appearance and record, asserting that Benn has only fought faded, aging fighters and was rushed into a title opportunity. Garcia declared that Benn lacks the heart for a real war and predicted a knockout victory in five rounds or less.
• Near-Brawl on Stage: The verbal exchange turned explosive when Benn threatened to "smack them glasses straight off your face", prompting Garcia to stand up and shout back in Spanish and English. Security and Dana White stepped in to separate the two before blow-for-blow physical contact occurred, prompting Dana White to quip, "I'm getting too old for this sh-t".
• Drug Testing Dismissed: When asked about past VADA/testing scrutiny surrounding both fighters, both men brushed off any concerns. Benn stated he is strictly focused on battering Garcia on September 12, while Garcia responded that he expects to knock Benn out regardless.
• Promotional Dynamics: Garcia clarified that Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions have limited direct involvement in the event's day-to-day operations beyond co-promoting alongside Ryan Garcia Promotions and Zuffa Boxing.
Event Details
• Bout: Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn (12 Rounds – WBC World Welterweight Championship)
• Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
• Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Promoters: Zuffa Boxing, Ring, Ryan Garcia Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions
• Broadcast: DAZN / Paramount+
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