Benn defies concerns to make weight for Garcia bout

Much of the build-up this week has centred on how Benn would cope with returning to the 10st 7lb welterweight limit for the first time in more than four years.

His two fights against Chris Eubank Jr were both at middleweight, with Benn weighing 11st 2lb (71kg) for the first and 11st 5lb (72kg) for the rematch. For his win over Regis Prograis in April, Benn weighed 10st 10lb (69kg).

He has already said he will vacate the title and move back up in weight if he beats Garcia.

Benn had looked increasingly gaunt and drawn during fight week and told BBC Sport the cut had taken him to the "pits of hell".

But Benn smiled as his weight was announced and looked in good shape, surprising several observers who had expected the effects of the cut to be far more visible.

A handful of undercard fighters weighed in after Benn while Garcia was still nowhere to be seen, prompting questions about whether the Californian was having difficulties making the limit.

Garcia has had problems on the scales before. He weighed more than three pounds over the light-welterweight limit before his fight against Devin Haney in 2024.

There was no such drama this time. Garcia sprinted towards the scales about 10 minutes after Benn and also looked at ease as he comfortably made weight.