Ryan Garcia Defends Skipping Face-Off as Conor Benn Details 15-Week Weight Cut

Q: Will Conor Benn's grueling weight cut completely drain his signature power just when he needs it most against Ryan Garcia?

Yes, it is a serious risk that Benn’s weight cut blunts the power and stamina that define his style, though it cannot be known for certain until fight night. The evidence points to real danger signs. Benn has not made 147 pounds since April 2022 and has openly described this camp as “the pits of hell,” saying it will be his last fight at welterweight. He has spent recent years fighting much heavier, including at middleweight against Chris Eubank Jr. and at a 150-pound catchweight against Regis Prograis. Benn himself said he was walking around far above welterweight, and his team has had to reshape camp around a long diet and heavy running load just to get him back down. That matters because Benn’s best asset is front-foot pressure backed by explosive punching. Several observers, including former fighters and trainers, have warned that a severe cut can strip exactly that: snap, physical strength and late-round engine. Some felt even the Prograis fight suggested reduced “zip” compared with Benn’s performances at higher weights. Garcia’s style makes the issue sharper, because a weakened pressure fighter is vulnerable to his speed and counter left hook. Benn insists he is healthy and expects to rehydrate heavily, which could restore some strength. But rehydration does not always fully reverse the effects of a punishing cut. If Benn is even slightly drained, he may lose the edge he most needs against Garcia.

3 articles · Updated · Sky Sports · Sep 10

Ryan Garcia said he skipped Tuesday’s Las Vegas face-off simply because he “didn’t want to be there,” arguing multiple later staredowns make the extra event unnecessary.
The WBC welterweight champion said the Tuesday session was outside his usual fight-week routine and mocked Benn for ending up squaring off with his father, Nigel Benn.
Conor Benn called the no-show disrespectful to fans, saying the public deserved both fighters at the media event before Saturday’s title bout at T-Mobile Arena.
Benn, 29, also said making 147 pounds after 15 weeks of dieting had dragged him “through the pits of hell,” though he vowed to hit weight for his first welterweight fight since April 2022.
Garcia rejected any weight-cut narrative in advance, warning Benn has no rehydration clause and saying he does not want post-fight excuses if the challenger loses.