Tony Sims, the longtime trainer of Conor Benn, has made it clear that the British boxer will never step back into the welterweight division again. The statement came after Benn’s ill‑fated challenge for the WBC welterweight crown against Ryan Garcia, a bout that ended dramatically in the second round when Benn was stopped while still on his feet.
Sims spoke to Sky Sports and left no room for doubt. “There are no excuses,” he said bluntly.
“Making the weight was a massive challenge for Conor, and he never tried to hide that fact. He had a solid training camp, the sparring sessions the week before the fight went well, and he was generally in good shape. But in world‑class boxing a single clean shot can change everything, and that’s exactly what happened.” He went on to confirm that the Garcia fight would be Benn’s final appearance at 147 pounds. “Without a shadow of a doubt, this was his last fight at welterweight.
He made the weight, but it was far from easy,” Sims explained. “The stakes were enormous – the purse, the exposure, the legacy – and those kinds of opportunities don’t just appear when you move down a weight class.
Sometimes a fighter has to take a calculated risk to chase that level of reward.” Sims expressed surprise at the timing of the referee’s stoppage. “Benn was hit with a perfect shot, but he reacted well, got back on his feet and was still fighting.
I thought he made the right move, grabbing Garcia and trying to control the situation even as he was sliding on the ropes. In my view the stoppage came a little early; the punch was a great one, but the fight could have continued a few more rounds.” The trainer also reflected on the broader implications for Benn’s career.
With the welterweight chapter closed, the next logical step would be a move up to either middleweight (160 pounds) or super‑middleweight (168 pounds). Such a transition could set the stage for a potential third showdown with Chris Eubank Jr., a rivalry steeped in family history. The sons of legendary British fighters Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank have already squared off twice at middleweight: Benn lost the first encounter but rebounded to win the rematch. A decisive third bout would not only settle the personal score but also generate significant interest among boxing fans.
Sims emphasized that the prospect of a Benn‑Eubank Jr. clash will always linger.
“That fight will always be on the horizon, whether it’s a year from now or ten years from now. The names together create a narrative that promoters can’t ignore.
Whether Conor wants to pursue it or Chris does, the matchup will remain a talking point.” However, Sims also warned that Benn needs a substantial break from the sport. “I don’t think we’ll hear Conor talking about a new fight anytime soon,” he said. “He needs a complete rest from boxing at the moment.
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 is essential for his health and future performance.” The trainer’s candid assessment paints a picture of a fighter who has reached the limits of his current weight class, endured a harsh lesson in the unforgiving world of elite boxing, and now faces a crossroads.
Moving up in weight could provide Benn with a fresh start, allowing him to leverage his power and skill set against larger opponents while avoiding the grueling weight cuts that have taken their toll. At the same time, the allure of a historic trilogy with Eubank Jr. adds an extra layer of intrigue, promising a narrative that could capture the imagination of the sport’s global audience. In summary, Tony Sims has ruled out any return to welterweight for Conor Benn, citing the difficulty of making the limit, the magnitude of the Garcia fight, and the premature nature of the stoppage.
He envisions a future in higher weight divisions, possibly culminating in a third Benn‑Eubank Jr. clash, but stresses that Benn must first recuperate fully before contemplating any new bout. The next chapter of Benn’s career will likely be written at middleweight or super‑middleweight, where the stakes remain high but the physical demands of weight management will be less severe, giving him a chance to rebuild his legacy on his own terms.