Conor Benn has hit out at welterweight rival Ryan Garcia after he opted to skip Tuesday night's pre-arranged face-off ahead of their hugely-anticipated WBC world championship showdown this weekend.
The pair were scheduled to lay eyes on one another for the first time during fight week in Las Vegas, but whilst Benn adhered to his contractual commitments, American Garcia failed to do likewise.
It's not the first time that the reigning WBC champion hasn't followed the promotional script, having established a reputation for himself for missing previous face-offs, press conferences and even weigh-ins.
The 28-year-old's absence understandably irked Benn, who is hoping to become a world champion for the first time in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Speaking on footage posted online by Zuffa Boxing, the Briton said: "Guys, I apologise for Ryan doing what Ryan does.
We turn up, we’re here. He needs to get his s*** together!
- Conor Benn (Zuffa Boxing)
In Garcia's absence, Nigel Benn, the fabled father of Conor, stepped in to fill the void, making for a unique picture of the two squaring off in front of the watching media.
This weekend's dust-up will represent former Matchroom star Benn's first venture back into the welterweight division in four years, with his last three fights taking place at middleweight and a 150lbs catchweight.
The Londoner has gone on record revealing the pain and difficulties he has endured in cutting weight for his return to 147lbs, and it's understood Garcia's decision not to undertake in the face-off is down to weight struggles of his own.
The California famously tipped the scales 3.2lbs above weight for his blockbuster clash with Devin Haney two years ago, and was subsequently forced to pay a significant financial penalty with the fight, which he won, later being deemed a no contest after he failed a drugs test.
Benn and Garcia are expected to face the media later tonight in what is expected to be a fiery final press conference, although it remains to be seen as to whether the title-holder will be in attendance.
Garcia vs Benn is being streamed globally on DAZN, with fight fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland able to watch the main event live at around 04:00 (BST) on Sunday 13th September.
