In September, controversial welterweight duo Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn will collide in a showdown for the WBC crown, and now both men have addressed potential concerns regarding drug testing for the bout.
Benn tested positive for clomifene back in October 2022, ahead of a grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr. Since then, Benn has twice fought stateside up at super-welterweight, but then returned to the United Kingdom for two middleweight scraps with Eubank.
Then, Benn announced that he was leaving career-long promoter Eddie Hearn to sign with Zuffa Boxing, before appearing against Regis Prograis in April in a 150lb catchweight bout.
Benn will now fight as the WBC’s mandatory welterweight challenger when he takes on Garcia, despite not boxing at the weight since April 2022.
Meanwhile, Garcia tested positive for ostarine after a career best triumph over Devin Haney in April 2024 – which was overturned to a no-contest as a result. After a year away from the sport, Garcia jumped into an immediate world title challenge against Rolando Romero, but came up short.
Yet, in a third consecutive world title bid back in February, Garcia finally claimed world honours in a classy performance against Mario Barrios to re-announce himself as one of boxing’s biggest superstars.
Last week, Garcia-Benn was formally announced after much speculation. At the launch press conference, Benn admitted that he was not concerned about Garcia’s past when quizzed on their testing history, in a clip captured by Seconds Out.
“I’m not concerned whatsoever, he can do whatever he wants. All I am doing is focusing on what I am doing and I’m going to go in there a batter him on September 12th.”
Garcia then responded similarly, but stated that his lack of concern was due to confidence rather than trust.
“No, I am not worried at all. He could be juiced up all he wants, I’m still going to knock him out. So, it doesn’t really matter.”
Garcia-Benn takes place on Saturday, September 12, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with cruiserweight standout Jai Opetaia expected to appear on the undercard.
