Tony Sims, the man who has been guiding Conor Benn’s career for years, has made it clear that the English fighter will not step back into the 147‑pound division. After Benn’s recent attempt to capture the WBC welterweight crown from Ryan Garcia, which ended in a decisive second‑round stoppage, Sims told Sky Sports that the bout was a one‑off and that Benn’s future lies elsewhere in the weight classes.
Benn had cut down to the welterweight limit to challenge Garcia, a fight that carried enormous financial stakes and global attention. The British boxer entered the ring looking sharp, but Garcia landed a powerful, clean shot that sent Benn reeling. Though Benn managed to stay on his feet, the referee halted the contest early in the second round, sparking a flurry of discussion about whether the stoppage was premature.
Sims, while acknowledging the severity of the punch, argued that the decision was ultimately correct, noting that Benn was "caught with a fantastic shot" and was visibly struggling to regain his balance. "There are no excuses," Sims said.
"Making weight at 147 pounds was tough for him, and he never tried to hide that. He had a solid training camp, the sparring sessions the week before went well, and he was in good shape.
He just got hit with a perfect punch, and in world‑class boxing that’s what happens." Sims went on to confirm that the Garcia showdown would be Benn’s final appearance at welterweight, stating unequivocally, "Without a shadow of a doubt, that was his last fight in that division. He made the weight, but it wasn’t easy." He added that the magnitude of the fight – both in terms of prestige and the payday involved – would not have been replicated against any other opponent, implying that Benn took a calculated risk to pursue the biggest possible opportunity at that weight.
Reflecting on the timing of the stoppage, Sims expressed surprise at how quickly the referee intervened. "It was a fantastic shot that he got caught with, and he did well to get back up," he explained. "I thought Conor made the right move by grabbing the ropes and trying to stay upright. The punch that landed was a great shot, but I believe the stoppage came a little early.
Still, you can’t make excuses for the result. It was a shame the fight didn’t get to go a bit longer given the stakes involved." Looking ahead, Sims suggested that Benn’s next logical step would be to move up to either the middleweight or super‑middleweight division. Such a shift would not only alleviate the strain of cutting to 147 pounds but also open the door to a potential third encounter with Chris Eubank Jr., the son of Benn’s historic rival Nigel Benn. The two fighters have already squared off twice at middleweight, with each securing a win.
A decisive third bout could finally settle the family rivalry, and Sims believes the matchup will remain a tantalizing prospect for fans for years to come. "That fight will always be on the calendar, whether it happens next year or in a decade," Sims remarked. "The names together create a narrative that boxing fans can’t ignore.
Whether Conor wants to pursue it or Chris does, the fight will always be there. The two surnames will forever be linked." However, Sims also warned that Benn may need a substantial break from the sport before contemplating any further high‑profile clashes. "I don’t think we’ll hear Conor talking about boxing for a while," he said.
"He needs a complete rest right now. Financially, he’s set for life, but mentally and physically he’s burnt out." In summary, Tony Sims has drawn a clear line: Conor Benn’s welterweight chapter is closed. The fighter’s future will likely involve moving up in weight, where he can compete without the severe weight‑cutting demands that have taken a toll on his performance and health. A potential third showdown with Chris Eubank Jr.
remains an enticing possibility, but for now, Benn’s focus appears to be on recovery and recalibrating his career trajectory in a higher weight class.