Conor Benn ahead of WBC title fight: weight cut felt like 'the pits of hell'
Conor Benn will challenge Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title on Saturday in Las Vegas, admitting the cut to 147 pounds has been brutal and will be his last at that weight. Garcia, meanwhile, told the BBC he does not think Benn deserves the title shot and criticized his behavior outside the ring.
British boxer Conor Benn will face American Ryan Garcia on Saturday in Las Vegas for the chance to become WBC welterweight champion, in what is being billed as one of the most anticipated boxing matches of 2026.
A brutal weight cut
According to MMA Fighting, the 29-year-old Benn told media that dropping down to 147 pounds has been extremely difficult. "It's been four and a half years since I made it, and it does feel like I've been through the pits of hell and had a fight with Satan and God brought me back to life," Benn said. He added that the process took around 15 weeks of dieting, noting he had been walking around at 185 pounds ahead of his previous fight against Chris Eubank Jr.
Benn confirmed this will be his last fight at 147 pounds, saying he feels far better at 160. Still, the chance to win a world title and beat a name as big as Garcia's made the risk worthwhile. "Of course it's a gamble, but isn't that what makes it fun? The risk, the challenge — it's exciting," Benn said, adding that many people doubted he could make the weight.
Garcia's criticism
According to the BBC, Ryan Garcia was less complimentary about Benn's character and off-ring conduct. Garcia said Benn is "not my cup of tea" and that he wouldn't want to spend much time with him. He described Benn as "a bit of a hypocrite" who contradicts himself, trying to appear humble while showing off in a Rolls Royce and enjoying the spotlight at every opportunity.
Garcia acknowledged he himself is "goofy and outgoing," fond of jokes, but insisted he remains fully focused on his craft. The two fighters have documented their training camps very differently on social media — Benn posting videos of his workouts, while Garcia has collaborated with influencers and made appearances in WWE.
The fight is set to headline the card in Las Vegas.
