Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia resumed their heated war of words while Teofimo Lopez posed as a reporter with a fake beard during a bizarre final press conference in Las Vegas on Thursday. WBC welterweight champion Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) is set to defend his title for the first time against Benn after clinching the belt against Mario Barrios in February. Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) steps into the biggest test of his career following wins over Regis Prograis and Chris Eubank Jr. Both fighters have prior controversy: Garcia tested positive for ostarine in 2024, and Benn's 2022 anti-doping suspension was lifted the same year.

Garcia, absent from Wednesday's face-off, was animated, firing insults at Benn, who responded by raising a finger to his lips and exiting. Garcia accused Benn of struggling with the weight cut and questioned his Mexican heritage, referencing Benn's father Nigel Benn. Benn insisted Garcia should focus on himself, citing his experience fighting in front of 70,000 fans.

The bout marks Benn's first world title fight at age 29.