Ryan Garcia Hits Fight Week Looking More Gaunt Than Conor Benn

Ryan Garcia's appearance has caused concern at the beginning of fight week as both he and Conor Benn prepare to make 147 pounds. For weeks, much of the discussion surrounding the fight has centered on whether Benn can safely get back down to the welterweight limit. Moving up in weight for two fights against Chris Eubank Jr. effectively ended the Londoner's time as a regular welterweight. However, the WBC's decision to rank Benn number one opened the door for one final shot at the title against Garcia. Judging by images from his training camp, getting back to 147 has appeared to be a tough slog for Benn. What nobody expected was Garcia arriving at fight week looking just as drawn, if not more so. Images and video of Garcia quickly attracted attention on social media, with the WBC champion displaying sunken cheeks and a noticeably gaunt appearance days before the official weigh-in. There is no evidence at this stage that Garcia is struggling to make weight, but his appearance has ensured that Benn is no longer the only fighter whose condition will be closely watched this week. Garcia Appearance Sparks Concern Reaction to Garcia's appearance was divided. One observer said Garcia looked 'sick as f***,' while another thought he looked 'miserable.' Others saw nothing alarming and argued that Garcia was simply extremely lean. 'It's just lighting exaggerating his face,' one response read. 'I'm sure with good lighting he looks fine.' Another added: 'He's just extremely lean… he hasn't cut weight yet.' There were also comparisons with Garcia's days competing at 135 pounds. One observer said he was 'starting to look how he did at 135,' while another simply responded: 'Ryan looks normal.' Photographs and short video clips cannot establish whether a fighter is struggling physically, and Garcia's condition will become clearer when he steps on the scales. Garcia has experienced problems making weight before. He came in more than three pounds over the contracted limit for his 2024 fight against Devin Haney. The result was subsequently changed to a no-contest following Garcia's positive test for ostarine. This time, Garcia has a championship limit to meet. Benn Faces Final Cut to 147 Benn's situation has been under scrutiny for considerably longer. The Brit spent a year fighting well above welterweight and competed twice against Eubank before deciding to drop back down to 147 pounds. Even for his fight with Regis Prograis, Benn could only get down to around 150 pounds. Prograis subsequently raised concerns about Benn's appearance as preparations began for Garcia. 'He looks small. I hope the weight is not draining him already,' Prograis said. Those final three pounds were always likely to become one of the biggest stories of fight week. Both men will now head toward the weigh-in with questions surrounding their condition at 147 pounds. After Benn spent the build-up trying to force his body back into a division he appeared to have left behind, few expected Garcia to arrive at fight week looking every bit as lean. Whatever happens when they meet, the physical demands of reaching 147 could mean this is the last welterweight fight for both men. About the Author Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News. Read Phil Jay's full bio and latest stories.