news-engine

‘I’m here, motherf*****s’: Champ crashes presser in wild disguise as Aussie cops brutal swipe Ryan Garcia’s final press conference with Conor Benn was gatecrashed by a world champion in disguise – before the American took another swipe at Australia’s Liam Paro. Everything was running relatively smoothly ahead of Saturday’s WBC welterweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas when a bearded reporter introduced himself as DAZN’s “Jack Hoffman”. IBC 05: Hardman v Camilleri | Wednesday September 23 from 7pm AEST | The World’s fastest growing combat sport returns with a showdown for the ages, as Isaac Hardman takes on veteran boxer Joel Camilleri in the Gold Coast. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. The mystery man first turned his attention to Benn. “Conor, you had a hair transplant in the past. What do you think of mine?” he asked. “Solid, from what I can see,” Benn replied. “It’s impressive.” He then asked Garcia whether he considered himself the face of boxing, prompting the WBC champion to name the man he believes he must beat next. “Yes, yes. I have to beat Teofimo first,” Garcia said. With that, the reporter ripped away his fake beard and wig to reveal newly crowned WBA welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Garcia immediately broke into a smile and lifted his WBC belt, while Benn also appeared delighted by the surprise arrival. “What’s up, baby? I’m here. I’m here, motherf***ers,” Lopez declared. “Let’s do it,” Garcia responded. Lopez became a three-division world champion last month when he defeated Rolly Romero to capture the WBA welterweight crown. The American has made no secret of his desire to face the winner of Garcia-Benn, raising the prospect of a blockbuster showdown in 2027. However, another world champ also has his sights set on both men. IBF titleholder Paro recently fired back at Garcia after being told he was merely “renting” his belt. “If I’m so easy, let’s unify next,” Paro wrote on social media. “Come get it, bitch!” Asked at Friday’s press conference whether he had a response for the plucky Queenslander, Garcia again dismissed Paro’s standing among the top welterweights. “No, not really,” Garcia told fight reporter Jai McAllister. “He has to fight somebody. He has to give up that belt sooner or later. He’s gatekeeping it. “He knows he’s not at our level. We will see who he chooses. “He wants Teofimo because he feels like he can beat him. He can’t beat me. He’s definitely not beating Haney.” And Paro may not have to wait long to reveal his next move, teasing an imminent announcement on social media. “Fight news dropping soon,” Paro wrote on Instagram last week. Exactly who he will face remains to be seen, but Paro has made it clear he has no interest in sitting around polishing his belt. “I don’t want to sit on the sidelines,” Paro said. “I want to be a busy champion, defend it against a top 15. “I don’t know who yet, but it’ll most likely be in Australia.” Paro will not be the only Aussie watching closely, with cruiserweight superstar Jai Opetaia also featuring on the card. Opetaia will defend his world title against Noel Mikaelian in the co-main event. First, though, Garcia must get through Benn – who can blow up the American’s grand plans and put himself at the centre of the welterweight title picture. Parts of this story first appeared on DAZN News and have been republished with permission.