Conor Benn is preparing to cut down to the 147-pound welterweight limit for his bout against WBC champion Ryan Garcia on September 12. Concerns remain over whether dropping weight after years in heavier divisions will severely drain his physical strength.
Benn has not boxed at the welterweight limit since 2022. He previously competed at 150 pounds against Regis Prograis after stepping up to fight Chris Eubank Jr. at higher weights. While Benn demonstrated notable knockout power earlier in his career at 147 pounds, experts question whether trimming those additional pounds will compromise his ring effectiveness. Former world champion Duke McKenzie expressed serious reservations regarding Benn’s physical condition heading into the fight. He stated: “When you’re trying to make weight, and you have to drag to make weight, it takes away your A-game.”
Trimming down to welterweight presents a physical test Benn has not faced in four years.
Rehydration after the weigh-in may not resolve the physical strain caused by the weight cut. McKenzie emphasized that eating after making weight cannot fully restore lost stamina. He noted: “I don’t think Conor Benn’s going to be physically strong enough because I think he’d be weight drained,” before adding: “Even if you’re eating all night long, there’s still only so much weight you can put on.” Benn’s power appeared reduced during his 150-pound contest against Prograis compared to his performance at 160 pounds against Eubank. Former boxer Spencer Oliver highlighted the extreme physical toll required to shed the final pounds before stepping onto the scales. He said: “The last three pounds, as you guys know, making weight and how difficult that is, that last three pounds to the normal guy is like losing three stones and it will take a lot out of him,”
Former world champion Paul Smith suggested that attempting to bring a larger frame back down to 147 pounds could ultimately prove to be Benn’s downfall. The immediate test on September 12 will be reaching the division limit on the scales. However, the greater challenge will be retaining enough endurance and punch resistance to withstand Garcia inside the ring. Should Benn overcome the weight cut and deliver a powerful performance, he will re-establish himself at the top of the welterweight division. Conversely, a depleted performance could force a permanent move up in weight.
