What Is Catchweight in Boxing and Why Did Ryan Garcia Choose to Fight Oscar Duarte at Catchweight in the Last Moment?

After the loss to Gervonta Davis in April, Ryan Garcia immediately moved up to Super Lightweight, claiming he was simply a different fighter at 140 lbs. Naturally, when ‘KingRy’ announced his comeback to the ring, fans expected to see Garcia fight in the Super Lightweight division.

However, Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte is taking place at 143 lbs which is a catchweight. Well, here is what a catchweight in boxing is and the reason Garcia is fighting Duarte at 143 lbs.

Catchweight and the reason Garcia is fighting at 143 lbs

Boxing has its traditional weight classes e.g. Lightweight [not over 135 lbs], Super Lightweight [not over 140 lbs], Welterweight [not over 147 lbs], Light Heavyweight [not over 175 lbs] etc. However, when two boxers, for convenience, decide to fight at a weight outside the traditional weight classes, the bout is said to be taking place at a catchweight. For example, Ryan Garcia is fighting Oscar Duarte at 143 lbs which is 3 lbs above the Super Lightweight and 4 lbs less than the Welterweight.

Since 143 lbs is not a traditional weight class in the sport, it is considered a catchweight. However, now the question is why isn’t Garcia fighting at 140 lbs? While Oscar De La Hoya said Garcia wanted the Duarte fight at 143 lbs from the beginning, it seems Garcia could not train sufficiently to get down to 140 lbs. As a result, the bout is taking place at 143 lbs.

Oscar De La Hoya is “concerned” that Ryan Garcia is fighting at 143 lbs

Even though Garcia opted for 143 lbs, De La Hoya declared he did not know why ‘KingRy’ wanted to fight at a catchweight. Speaking of which, he even questioned Garcia’s professionalism and dedication to the sport. “Well, Ryan Garcia wanted a catchweight at 143, so we made it happen. I am concerned because why not make it at 140?” said De La Hoya.

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“If you’re a professional, you’re going to train hard and work hard, then 140 shouldn’t be a problem. I have no idea why he [Ryan] wanted this fight at 143, and it’s concerning,” the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions added. Well, with that being said, what do you make of Garcia’s dedication to the sport? Do you find him unprofessional given he could not make the bout at 140 lbs? Let us know in the comments below.

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