
via Reuters
Boxing – Conor Benn v Chris Algieri – WBA Continental Welterweight Title – Echo Arena, Liverpool, Britain – December 11, 2021 Tattoos are seen on Conor Benn after his win against Chris Algieri Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

via Reuters
Boxing – Conor Benn v Chris Algieri – WBA Continental Welterweight Title – Echo Arena, Liverpool, Britain – December 11, 2021 Tattoos are seen on Conor Benn after his win against Chris Algieri Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Conor Benn, the welterweight contender, caused quite a stir at the Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin fight on Saturday night. But it wasn’t his skills in the ring that had people talking. Benn refused a talkSPORT interview by slapping journalist Gareth A Davies’ microphone out of his hand, sparking a heated debate among fans and media alike. While some supported Benn’s actions, others saw it as a display of arrogance and disrespect towards journalists.
But what led Benn to act in such a way? The 26-year-old boxer has been embroiled in controversy over the past year after two positive drugs tests led to the cancellation of his proposed fight with Chris Eubank Jr. This incident only added fuel to the fire as media outlets criticized him relentlessly. Was his reaction justified? Did he have the right to refuse an interview or was his behavior unprofessional?
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Fans React in support of Connor Benn’s actions, claiming slander
As Davies walked around ringside, he came across Conor Benn in the VIP section and attempted to approach him for an interview. However, Benn refused to speak to him and slapped his microphone out of his hand, which Davies narrated to the listeners.
“I’m very near Conor Benn, I just want to say hello to…” Davies was interrupted by Benn himself, who knocked the talkSPORT microphone away.
‼️ Conor Benn refusing to speak to talkSPORT by slapping the microphone away at Anthony Joshua vs Jermaine Franklin this evening…
[🎥 @talkSPORT]pic.twitter.com/B5BPHAEzOG— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 1, 2023
“Well he’s knocked the microphone off, he doesn’t wanna talk tonight I’m afraid,” said Davies. “He’s got his security guy and he’s just knocked the microphone out of my hand. He clearly doesn’t wanna do anything. That’s the arrogance of youth, unfortunately.”
Watch this story: Anthony Joshua’s grueling routine for Jermaine Franklin fight
Following the incident, fans took to Twitter to express their support for Benn’s actions. One user, @The7xSuspension, wrote, “He did the right thing they slandered his name.”
He did the right thing they slandered his name
— Tha Villain (@The7xSuspension) April 1, 2023
Another user, @Boatyyy, added, “Don’t blame him, They’ve done nothing but slate him for the last 6 months+.”
Dont blame him, They’ve done nothing but slate him for the last 6 months+
— Boat (@Boatyyy) April 1, 2023
Similarly, @LiamAnderson66 stated, “Been slagging him off to end why would he give them the time of day,”
Been slagging him off to end why would he give them the time of day
— liam anderson (@LiamAnderson66) April 1, 2023
While @saulmeister pointed out the usual etiquette that is required before interviewing someone. He tweeted, “For a lot of broadcasters and presenters, the usual etiquette is to ask the subject beforehand whether you can interview them, off-camera or off-microphone. It’s actually very rude to go up to someone with the camera already rolling and shove a microphone under their face.”
For a lot of broadcasters and presenters the usual etiquette is to ask the subject beforehand wether you can interview them, off camera or off microphone. Its actually very rude to go upto someone with the camera already rolling and shove a microphone under their face.
— Daniel Craig Saul (@saulmeister) April 1, 2023
On the other hand, @CapriPeri expressed disappointment in Benn’s behavior, tweeting, “Making Gareth A Davies look like the decent one, my god Benn has fallen off.”
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Making Gareth A Davies look like the decent one, my god Benn has fallen off.
— 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒃 (@CapriPeri) April 1, 2023
The mixed reactions from fans suggest that Benn’s decision to refuse an interview by slapping the microphone out of Davies’ hand was controversial.
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In conclusion, Conor Benn’s refusal to be interviewed by slapping journalist Gareth A Davies’ microphone has caused quite a stir in the sports community. While some fans have voiced their support for Benn, citing the alleged slander of his name by the media, others have criticized his behavior as arrogant and unprofessional.
Read More: “It’s a Dangerous Game”: Eddie Hearn Warns BBBofC for Taking Drastic Action Against Conor Benn
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