Ryan Garcia’s camp requested eight-ounce gloves even if either fighter misses weight. The unusual stipulation, explained a little time — and what it reveals about their game plan.
First off, this has happened in big fights before, gloves can cause arguments on the eve of fights.
Some fast notes on this tonight in Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn;
- Nevada requires 10-oz gloves above 148 lbs; Team Garcia asked for 8-oz anyway.
- Garcia called it “cautionary” — he always wants 8-oz at 147.
- He said 8-oz gloves are “more deadly.”
- Both made weight, so 8-oz gloves are in effect tonight.
- Less padding means more power and speed for Garcia.
- 10-oz gloves would have offered Benn more protection.
- Benn rehydrated to about 178 lbs after weighing 146.
- No rehydration clause, so the size gap stands.
- Garcia’s power must now crack a much bigger target.
- Benn called the cut “the pits of hell.”
Garcia’s team wanted the eight-ounce gloves because Garcia believes they are “more deadly” and give him the weapon he’s used to at welterweight, basically.
The core reason is simple though, Ryan Garcia doesn’t want to switch to ten-ounce gloves at the last minute.
Essentially, ee views the eight-ounce glove as his standard equipment.
The request was a precaution to make sure Benn missing weight couldn’t take that away from him.
Essentially, it was a contingency plan to protect his own comfort and punching power.
The thing is though — Benn might even come in over 180 pounds or so if he really is interested in doing so tonight.
Heck, if he is interested, he can come in even up as high as 185 pounds or so.
So eight ounces, if he is that heavy and has the cardio to keep up a pace for the duration of the bout, is dangerous for Garcia.
Benn hurt Chris Eubank Jr up at middleweight not long ago, all that mass and training and just using small gloves like that, it just takes one punch.
That is all.
Here’s a look at Ryan Garcia v Conor Benn keys to victory tonight.
Here’s the Garcia vs Benn time of fight tonight also — roll on.
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