Conor Benn tears into Ryan Garcia by claiming he ‘ain’t got the heart or balls of a Mexican’ ahead of world title fight

CONOR BENN accused Ryan Garcia of pretending to be something he’s not — claiming the American “ain’t got the heart or balls of a Mexican”. Garcia, 27, stands in the way of Benn fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion when he defends his WBC ­welterweight title in Las Vegas on September 12. Ryan Garcia facing off with Conor Benn Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Garcia embraces his Mexican heritage Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5n0sRGOYAm/?img_index=3 Throughout his career Garcia has embraced and celebrated his Mexican ancestry, proudly flying the country’s flag. But Benn claims his ­opponent — born to American parents — lacks the toughness, heart and fighting spirit that defines ­Mexican fighters. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The Essex-based boxer did not hold back when asked why he has been trash-talking Garcia in Spanish during the build-up to their showdown. Benn has been using a ­language he speaks fluently — having previously lived in Mallorca for 12 years — to rile up Garcia. And he knows his rival cannot answer back because he does not speak Spanish. Asked whether that gets under Garcia’s skin, Benn, 29, told SunSport: “Yeah, of course it does.” On why he believes it bothers Garcia so much, he replied: “Because he isn’t one of them. “He claims to be one of them. He ain’t for the culture. He ain’t got the heart of a Mexican. He ain’t got the balls of a Mexican. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The Home of Boxing in 2026 There's a massive year of boxing ahead! It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring. The Gypsy King has beaten Mariusz Wach in his second fight of the year to set up a huge fight with Anthony Joshua And AJ did the same, knocking out Kristian Prenga in the second round of a thrilling encounter – the Brit was knocked down twice in the opening round. Now fans are looking forward to Moses Itauma’s return for his toughest fight yet against Filip Hrgovic in August. Here’s all the big fights coming up… August Sat 15 – Claressa Shields vs Kaye Scott – DAZN Sat 29 – Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic – DAZN September Sat 12 – Conor Benn vs Ryan Garcia – DAZN *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue. “He ain’t got the nitty gritty in him.” The Destroyer then explained what he believes defines a true Mexican fighter, praising the country’s rich boxing tradition. He said: “That’s everything the Mexicans are. “How many Mexicans have come over here and derailed some of our great fighters? People that we’ve never even heard of. “They fight with heart, they fight with sheer emotion, dedication, discipline and fire. “They have got something to prove to the world. They earn their space That’s what my views of a Mexican fighter is. “But also the culture, the language . . . I’m all for it.” The comments are the latest verbal blow before one of the biggest fights of Benn’s career. The Brit is no stranger to ­a war of words. But unlike his bitter rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr — who he beat on a dominant unanimous decision at the Tottenham ­Hotspur Stadium last November — Benn admitted there is no ­genuine hatred towards Garcia. Instead, his focus is firmly on becoming WBC world champion by taking Garcia’s belt at the T-Mobile Arena. That would emulate his father Nigel Benn, who was a WBO middleweight and WBC super-middleweight champion. Garcia trading words with Benn Credit: Splash Nigel Benn with his son Conor Credit: Getty Images – Getty Benn Jr secured a shot at the title after a unanimous verdict over former two-time super- lightweight champion Regis Prograis at Tottenham in April. But Benn dare not consider what lifting the belt would mean because he is not yet allowing himself to think beyond his preparations for fight night. He admitted: “I can’t imagine it at the moment because there’s a big task at hand. “I have got to prepare so hard and really put myself through it. I have got to go through hell and back to prove I belong at the top.” While Benn’s verdict on Garcia could hardly be clearer, the animosity is certainly not one way. The pair had to be separated by security at a New York press conference last month. And Garcia has said he will be disappointed in himself if he cannot knock Benn out. All that is left to find out is who really has the heart and cojones on September 12. Comment now