WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia claims challenger Conor Benn is struggling to make the 147-pound limit ahead of Saturday’s title defense. Garcia questioned Benn’s physical condition during a joint interview before Friday’s official weigh-in, warning his rival against making excuses.
During a joint appearance on First Take, Benn focused on attacking Garcia’s maturity, calling him a “Gen Z child” who prefers social media streaming to late-night gym sessions. Garcia ignored the comments, choosing instead to target Benn’s battle with the scales.
Addressing his opponent directly, Garcia said: “You’re going to get this ass cooked, bro. You don’t even look on weight right now. Not even close. So, you’ve got a lot of work to do. We know what you’ve got to do after this,”
He added: “Probably get in the sauna, probably do a lot of things. I’m chilling. So, I just don’t want to hear no excuses. I don’t want to hear, ‘Oh, you know, I was dehydrated. I was this. I was that.’ Please, just don’t give me no excuses.”
The contrast in demeanor was clear throughout the exchange. Garcia appeared relaxed, while Benn relied on high intensity.
There is obvious irony in Garcia offering weight advice. The American missed the 140-pound limit by more than three pounds prior to his fight against Devin Haney in 2024. However, after taking the WBC welterweight belt from Mario Barrios in February, Garcia now makes his first defense as champion. While Benn previously fought Regis Prograis at a 150-pound catchweight, shedding the extra three pounds presents a difficult task for a boxer who has added muscle for bouts at higher weight classes.
Making weight is only part of the problem. A harsh weight cut can severely drain stamina, punch resistance, and movement over 12 rounds. Benn depends on aggressive forward movement, dipping his head to close distance quickly. If dehydration slows his footwork, he risks stepping directly into Garcia’s sharpest weapon: the check left hook.
This bout serves as a major milestone for both fighters. For Garcia, maintaining weight discipline shows that his previous scale troubles are behind him. For Benn, achieving the 147-pound limit without draining his energy is essential to winning the belt his father, Nigel Benn, never held. Friday’s official weigh-in will offer the first true indication of Benn’s physical condition.
