Benn defies concerns to make weight for Garcia bout

Benn defies concerns to make weight for Garcia bout Much of the pre‑fight discussion this week has focused on Benn’s return to the 10st 7lb welterweight limit for the first time in over four years. His two bouts with Chris Eubank Jr were contested at middleweight, with Benn weighing in at 11st 2lb (71kg) for the first meeting and 11st 5lb (72kg) for the rematch. For his victory over Regis Prograis in April, Benn tipped the scales at 10st 10lb (69kg). He has already stated that he will vacate the title and move back up in weight should he defeat Garcia. During fight week Benn appeared increasingly gaunt and drawn, and he told BBC Sport that the cut had taken him to the “pits of hell”. But when his weight was announced, Benn smiled and looked in impressive shape, surprising several observers who had anticipated a more pronounced effect from the weight loss. A handful of undercard fighters stepped on the scales after Benn, while Garcia remained unseen, prompting speculation about whether the Californian was struggling to make the limit. Garcia has previously missed the mark on the scales. He came in more than three pounds over the light‑welterweight ceiling ahead of his 2024 bout with Devin Haney. This time, however, there was no such issue. Garcia approached the scales roughly ten minutes after Benn and appeared relaxed as he comfortably made weight.