Conor Benn Makes Weight, Then Gains 14.5 kg

Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia comfortably made the welterweight limit for their WBC world title bout, despite concerns about their weigh-in performance. The 29-year-old Briton, Benn, weighed in at 66 kg (146 pounds) ahead of Saturday's fight – half a pound heavier than the champion.

The official weigh-in took place behind closed doors at the UFC Apex on Friday. However, just 12 hours later, Benn revealed on social media that he had gained 14.5 kg (32 pounds), now weighing 81.65 kg (180 pounds).

During the ceremonial weigh-in in front of fans later on Friday, Benn already appeared visibly larger, with his face and shoulders having regained their volume.

"Did it look hard? How did I look?" he asked. "Tomorrow night, we'll see how good I really feel."

Benn had previously stated that his weight could reach 80 kg (175 pounds) by the time he steps into the ring on Saturday. Garcia has won 25 of his 28 professional fights, including 20 by knockout, with two losses and one no-contest. Benn boasts 25 wins, 14 by knockout, and one loss, and this will be his first world title fight.

The 28-year-old American, Garcia, claimed the WBC belt with a dominant points victory over Mario Barrios in February and will now make his first defense against Benn. Much of the week's attention focused on how Benn would manage his return to the 66.7 kg (147-pound) welterweight limit for the first time in over four years.

Both of his fights against Chris Eubank Jr. were at middleweight. In the first, Benn weighed 71 kg (156 pounds), and in the rematch, 72 kg (159 pounds). For his victory over Regis Prograis in April, he was 69 kg (150 pounds). Benn has already stated that if he defeats Garcia, he will vacate the title and move up to a higher weight class again.

As fight week progressed, Benn appeared increasingly gaunt and drained, admitting to BBC Sport that the weight cut had taken him to "the depths of hell."

However, Benn smiled when his weight was announced at the official weigh-in. He looked in good shape, surprising some observers who had expected the effects of the weight cut to be far more apparent. Several undercard boxers went through the weigh-in after Benn, while Garcia was still absent. This raised questions about whether the Californian was struggling to make the limit.

Garcia has had weigh-in issues before. Ahead of his 2024 fight against Devin Haney, he exceeded the super-lightweight limit by over 1.36 kg (3 pounds). This time, there was no such drama. Garcia jogged to the scales about ten minutes after Benn and also appeared calm after comfortably making weight.

Hundreds of fans braved temperatures of around 40 degrees outside the T-Mobile Arena for the ceremonial weigh-in on Friday evening.

The atmosphere was lively, with a mariachi band entertaining the crowd during Mexico's Independence Day weekend, before the Mexican-American Garcia took to the stage. Retired undisputed three-weight world champion Terence Crawford was among the spectators. Benn bowed to the crowd and received some boos, but overall, the reaction to him was not particularly strong, neither positive nor negative.

Garcia appeared next, accompanied on stage by his daughter and WWE star Rey Mysterio. He received a louder reception, though there were plenty of boos amidst the cheers. As at Thursday's press conference, Garcia, draped in the American flag, was brimming with energy, bouncing on his toes, while Benn remained almost motionless, staring intently at his opponent.

There were no repeat of the altercations that had marked some of the fight's build-up. Benn maintained a stone-faced expression before the two were separated.

"I want to thank all the great fans who came out. It's really hot out there, so I'm very grateful to them," Garcia stated.

Weight is particularly significant due to the contrasting styles of the two boxers. Benn relies heavily on aggression, explosiveness, and constant pressure, while Garcia is a fast and dangerous counter-puncher who is comfortable meeting advancing opponents.

Any potential debilitating effects of the weight cut could make Benn more vulnerable to Garcia's speed and powerful left hook. There are also questions about whether the Briton will be able to maintain his usual intensity for 12 rounds.

As there is no rehydration clause in the contract, Benn will weigh significantly more when he steps into the ring on Saturday.

He still remains an underdog against Garcia – a boxer with a more extensive amateur background and a more impressive professional career. However, Benn's size and physical pressure could become some of his biggest advantages.

Analysis by Kal Sajad for bbc.com