Security step in as Benn and Garcia clash at New York media day

Security intervened to keep Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia apart during a heated media day in New York on Saturday, the latest flashpoint before the pair meet in Las Vegas on 12 September.

The two traded insults throughout the event, with Benn stepping out of his seat at one stage and being held back as he tried to reach the American. Promoter Dana White initially pushed the British fighter back before stewards took over.

It is not the first confrontation between them. The pair had already clashed at a weigh-in for UFC 329 in the days before the September date was confirmed. Benn, 29, is now promoted by Zuffa Boxing, the outfit backed by UFC chief White and Saudi Arabian capital, while Garcia, 27, holds the WBC welterweight title.

What was said

• Benn accused Garcia of being childish and questioned whether his opponent has the durability to last the distance, pointing to Garcia's 2023 defeat by Gervonta Davis.
• Garcia responded that Benn would not make it to the final bell and said he expected to stop him inside five rounds.
• Benn's father, former world champion Nigel Benn, stood behind his son during the exchanges and was repeatedly told by Garcia that he would be the one to stop the fight.
• The fighters were cleared from the stage for a face-off after the verbal back-and-forth, which included Benn shouting at Garcia in Spanish.

Why it matters

Much of the promotion is being built around the personal animosity between the two rather than the belt on the line. Benn's link-up with Zuffa Boxing gives the bout extra commercial weight as a relatively new player in the sport's promotional landscape, while Garcia brings a large social media following and a world title to the table.

Both camps will now be under pressure to keep the build-up from escalating further. With the fight still weeks away and more promotional commitments expected, organisers will be keen to ensure the talking stays in the ring on 12 September in Las Vegas.