Tim Bradley is questioning Ryan Garcia’s preparation for Conor Benn, but his criticism overlooks the physical concerns surrounding Benn.
The former world champion reacted to online footage showing Garcia doing mitt work without much intensity. He also criticized Ryan for spending too much time on social media rather than showing the commitment needed for the September 12 fight.
“You want to be a fighter or you want to be a social media darling? Pick one. Boxing gets jealous. Your mitt work, I’m looking at it like, ‘Where is the intensity?’ There ain’t no intensity in that. Have a real camp. I hope this is just for the people and you’re not really showing what you’re doing,” Bradley said on his channel.
A short training clip does not reveal everything Garcia is doing. Bradley also fails to give Ryan credit for redeeming himself against Mario Barrios in his last fight. Garcia arrived in good condition, remained composed and showed that the Rolando Romero loss had not destroyed him.
Rolly presented a different physical threat. He looked enormous inside the ring and repeatedly threw double left hooks that rattled Garcia. Ryan seemed to underestimate Romero’s size and power, then failed to adjust once those hooks began landing.
Against Regis Prograis, Benn struggled throughout, taking shots and unable to hurt him. He came down to 150 pounds for their April catchweight fight and absorbed plenty of punishment despite winning a 10-round unanimous decision.
Making the 147-pound welterweight limit requires Benn to drop three additional pounds. That cut may reduce his strength, punch resistance and ability to maintain pressure.
Pressure remains Benn’s best method of testing Garcia by attacking early and denying him room, but rushing forward carries danger. Ryan owns the faster hands and the left hook smash that he’s known for. Romero’s double left hook troubled him because it was delivered by a much larger man with unusual power. Benn may not carry the same force at 147.
By studying Ryan’s social media clips, Bradley is giving Benn the benefit of the doubt. Their recent performances provide a different picture: Garcia responded well against Barrios, while Benn endured a punishing night at a weight three pounds above the one he must reach in Las Vegas.
