Ryan Garcia claims Conor Benn "isn't good enough" to beat him

Ryan Garcia has told Conor Benn that he "isn't good enough" to beat him as the pair get set to contest a hugely-anticipated WBC welterweight world title showdown in Las Vegas this weekend.

While Garcia has been installed as an odds-on favourite to retain hold of his prized belt, Benn hasn't been shy in claiming he possesses both the tools and heart to dethrone the "over-hyped" Californian.

The Briton is dropping back down to 147lbs for the first time in four years as he attempts to establish himself as a world champion for the first time, although despite his confidence, Garcia is adamant that he is levels above the former Matchroom man.

"I'm going to go in there and destroy him," Garcia said during fight week.

This is going to be a really, really beautiful performance. He's just not good enough to beat me. It's the bitter truth for him, and the sweet truth for me.

- Ryan Garcia (The Road to Garcia vs Benn)

"I think that Conor just sees me as talented, but he doesn't know all the levels I go to master the craft.

"I don't think Conor understands how much I actually love the game of boxing. I don't think he understands how much I actually know about boxing.

"I just don't think he understands how good I am... but he will soon find out!"

Many had claimed Garcia was in danger of wasting his talent after enduring a couple of challenging years both inside and outside of the boxing ring.

However, the 28-year-old appears to be more focussed and driven than ever before as he gets set to put his recently acquired green and gold belt on the line for the first time.

"A lot of fire, turmoil – it built me into the champion I am," Garcia answered when quizzed on the difficulties he has faced in the past.

"My whole career has been filled with setbacks. They test every part of you. But then I always find my way back home. It was a lot of soul searching, and this is the next evolution of me.

"During the [Mario] Barrios camp, I had a change in mentality. My back was against the wall, so it kind of forced me to narrow things down.

"I didn't know if I was going to get an opportunity like that again. I had to rebuild my body. I chose discipline. I chose to be a professional and I chose to be a champion."

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.