Conor Benn has had his say on the drug testing ahead of this weekend’s battle with Ryan Garcia.
Garcia makes the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against Benn at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with both men having had high-profile drugs battles in the past.
Back in 2022, Benn was set for a showdown with Chris Eubank Jr, only for the bout to be cancelled on fight week after it was revealed that ‘The Destroyer’ had failed two tests for clomifene.
Benn protested his innocence throughout and, after a long and drawn out saga, his suspension was eventually lifted, with two bouts against Eubank Jr finally coming in 2025. Eubank won the first before Benn gained revenge in the second meeting.
Garcia’s failed test came following his win over Devin Haney, where he tested positive for ostarine, causing the result to be changed to a no contest, and a subsequent 12-month ban for ‘King Ry.’
Despite all of the past issues, Benn has told The Ring that he has no concerns around the drug testing for the fight, insisting that he is only focused on getting the win.
“It’s not even crossed my mind at all. I know we’re both diligently tested and that’s what is important. I don’t even think about it, it’s not even a thought in my head.
“How he turns up, what his mental state is, whether he is tested or not, it makes no difference. I still have to do what I have to do, prepare as hard as I prepare and focus on getting the victory.”
Garcia heads into the bout on the back of his impressive win over Mario Barrios back in February, while Benn claimed a win in a 150lb catchweight bout against Regis Prograis in April.
One of the main narratives ahead of the bout is the weight, with Benn fighting at welterweight for the first time since 2022. He has branded the weight cut ‘brutal’ and already made the decision to move up in weight immiedaitely after facing Garcia, meaning if he wins the world title will become vacant.
