Benn Slams Haney, Garcia And Lopez’s Fights – ‘Boring, Look At The Stats’

Conor Benn has slammed Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Teofimo Lopez’s recent fights. 

Benn’s comments follow Bob Arum and Oscar De La Hoya’s criticism over the Times Square card. Arum argued that guaranteed paydays were removing the incentive for fighters to entertain. De La Hoya felt sorry for the Saudis who had invested heavily in the card.

Benn Reacts

Haney’s fight with Jose Ramirez produced 499 punches, the fifth-lowest ever tracked. Garcia’s defeat to Rolly Romero registered only 490, while Teo landed 127 of 574 punches and Barboza connected with 71 from 426. Meanwhile, Benn’s last fight against Chris Eubank Jr. produced one of the most thrilling bouts of the year. Benn did not hold back on his criticism. 

“You watch great fighters have historically boring fights. I say this just looking at the stats. The number of punches thrown, not landed, was historically bad. I’m a little bit confused. Like, do you want to be a fighter? I’m so confused as to what you’re trying to do here. I think fighters are so careful about protecting their O, or they just don’t take no chances,” Benn said

Reality

While Benn may argue they are not the most entertaining, the three fighters have achieved more than Benn. Haney is a two-weight world champion, having won titles at 135 and 140. He became the Undisputed Lightweight Champion and has amassed a 32-0 record. He has a resume with wins against some of the biggest names in the sport, such as Vasiliy Lomachenko and Regis Prograis. Haney has also secured mega purses, with reports he earned $35 million for the Garcia fight. 

Lopez is also a two-weight world champion, with titles at 135 and 140. Lopez is the former Unified Lightweight Champion, who also has big wins over Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. Teo currently holds the WBO Junior Welterweight Title, making him one of the most accomplished fighters in the sport. 

While Garcia has not won a world title, like Benn, he is a much bigger name than Conor. Ryan has headlined mega fights against Gervonta Davis and Haney, earning more than Benn’s entire career earnings from just those two fights. Benn’s comments may be designed to set the narrative for fights with those names, as he tries desperately to cover over his failure to secure a world title.