Tony Sims, the longtime trainer of Conor Benn, has made it clear that the British fighter will not step back into the welterweight division after his recent bout with Ryan Garcia. The 147‑pound showdown, which was billed as a fight for the WBC welterweight world title, ended abruptly when Benn was stopped on his feet in the second round after taking a powerful shot from Garcia. In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Sims left no room for doubt.
“There are no excuses,” he said. “The weight was a challenge, no question about that, and Conor never tried to hide it.” He went on to acknowledge that Benn had put together a solid preparation camp and that his sparring sessions in the week leading up to the fight had gone well. “He was in sync, his timing was sharp, and everything seemed to be clicking. He simply got caught with a clean blow, and that’s how it works at the highest level of the sport.” Sims was unequivocal when asked whether the Garcia fight would be Benn’s final appearance at 147 pounds: “Without a shadow of a doubt, that was his last welterweight bout.
He made the weight, but it was a struggle.” He added that the financial stakes and the magnitude of the event left Benn with few alternatives. “When you have that kind of money on the line, you can’t afford to turn down the opportunity.
Sometimes you have to take the risk, even if it means fighting at a weight that isn’t ideal.” The trainer expressed surprise at the timing of the referee’s stoppage. “The shot that landed was a spectacular one, and Conor reacted quickly, getting back to his feet. He grabbed the ropes, tried to steady himself, and was slipping a bit, but he was still fighting.” Sims felt the fight could have continued a little longer.
“I think the stoppage was a bit premature. The punch was a great shot, but the fight wasn’t over yet. It’s just the way it is – you can’t make excuses after the fact.” Looking ahead, Sims hinted that a move up in weight could open new doors for Benn, including a potential third encounter with Chris Eubank Jr.
The two fighters, whose fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank were legendary rivals in the 1990s, have already faced each other twice at middleweight. Benn lost the first meeting but rebounded to win the second, leaving fans eager for a decisive third bout. “That fight will always be on the calendar, whether it happens next year or a decade from now.
The names together create a narrative that can’t be ignored,” Sims explained. “Whether Conor wants to pursue it or Chris does, the matchup will remain a possibility.” Sims also warned that Benn may need a substantial break from the sport. “I don’t think we’ll hear much about Conor boxing in the immediate future. He needs a complete rest right now,” he said.
“Financially he’s set for life, but the mental and physical toll has been significant. He’s burnt out, and a period away from the ring could be essential for his long‑term health.” The decision to stay away from welterweight reflects a broader trend among fighters who, after experiencing difficulty making weight, opt to move up to larger divisions. The shift can provide a more comfortable physiological environment, reduce the risk of dehydration‑related injuries, and often rejuvenate a boxer’s power and stamina.
For Benn, moving to middleweight (160 pounds) or even super‑middleweight (168 pounds) would not only alleviate the strain of cutting weight but also align him with a new set of opponents and potential title opportunities. Historically, the Benn‑Eubank rivalry has captured the imagination of British boxing fans. Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank were the faces of a heated rivalry that defined the sport in the early 1990s, with their fights drawing massive television audiences and intense media coverage. The next generation—Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr.—has inherited that legacy, and each encounter adds another chapter to the family saga.
A third fight would likely be billed as a “family grudge match,” offering promoters a lucrative narrative and fans a chance to witness a modern reinterpretation of a classic rivalry. In the meantime, Sims emphasized that the focus should be on Benn’s recovery and future planning. “He needs to step back, assess his health, and decide where he wants to go from here. The welterweight chapter is closed, but the story isn’t over.
Whether he chooses to fight at middleweight, super‑middleweight, or even explore other combat sports, the door remains open.” The trainer’s remarks also underscore the business side of boxing. High‑profile fights like Benn vs.
Garcia generate enormous pay‑days, but they also come with heightened pressure to perform at a weight that may not be sustainable. “When you have that kind of money on the line, you’re forced to make choices that aren’t always ideal for your body,” Sims noted.
“It’s a balancing act between financial reward and long‑term health.” In summary, Tony Sims has drawn a clear line: Conor Benn’s welterweight days are over. The fighter will likely look to move up in weight, possibly reigniting the Benn‑Eubank family feud, but first he must take time away from the sport to recover physically and mentally. The boxing world will be watching closely to see where Benn lands next, but for now, the focus is on healing, rest, and plotting a new path forward in a higher weight class.