Tempers flared at a press conference for the upcoming bout between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia, with the two boxers requiring intervention from security and UFC president Dana White to prevent a physical altercation. The event, held in New York City on Saturday, marked a heated moment in the build-up to their September 12 fight.
Garcia, the reigning WBC welterweight champion, is set to defend his title against British fighter Benn in Las Vegas. This confrontation comes after years of online exchanges between the two.
During the press conference, Garcia stated the fight would be an easy night for him. Benn responded by threatening to remove Garcia's glasses, escalating the tension. Garcia retorted, "You won't do s*** I promise you," sparking the disturbance on stage at Fanatics Fest. Benn then attempted to approach Garcia, who was also held back by security. Dana White, present at the event, commented on the situation with a jest about his age.
Benn and Garcia eventually faced off, with White positioning himself between them to maintain order.
This meeting marks a significant step for Benn, who is moving back down to the 147-pound welterweight division for his first world-title opportunity. His recent fights have been at 160 and 150 pounds.
Both fighters have past controversies. Garcia's victory over Devin Haney in 2024 was later changed to a no-contest due to a positive test for the banned substance ostarine. Following a year-long suspension, Garcia lost to Rolando Romero in May 2025 but subsequently won the WBC strap against Mario Barrios in February.
Conor Benn faced a prolonged period away from boxing after testing positive for clomifene before a scheduled fight against Chris Eubank Jr. in 2022. His suspension was lifted in 2024, and he later lost a unanimous decision to Eubank Jr. in April of last year. Benn avenged that loss in a rematch last November and secured another unanimous decision win against Regis Prograis in April.