Conor Benn's trainer, Tony Sims, has made it clear that the British fighter will never step back into the welterweight division again. The decision follows Benn's recent bout against Ryan Garcia, where he moved up to the 147‑pound limit to contest the WBC welterweight title.
The fight ended abruptly in the second round when Benn was knocked down and the referee stopped the contest while he was still on his feet. Sims was candid with Sky Sports, stating, "There are no excuses.
Making weight was a challenge, and Conor never pretended otherwise. He had a solid training camp, the sparring sessions the week before the fight went well, and he was in good rhythm. In the end, he simply got caught with a clean shot. That's the nature of world‑class boxing." He went on to confirm that the Garcia showdown would be Benn's final appearance at welterweight: "Without a shadow of a doubt, this was his last fight in that weight class.
He managed the cut, but it was far from easy." Sims added that the stakes of the Garcia fight – both in terms of prestige and financial reward – were unique, noting that such an opportunity would not have been available at a lower weight or against a different opponent. "Sometimes you have to take big risks for big rewards," he said. The trainer expressed surprise at the timing of the stoppage.
"Benn landed a fantastic shot after being hit, and he recovered quickly. He did the right thing by grabbing the ropes and trying to stay upright.
I think the referee may have stopped the fight a little early, but the punch that landed was a solid, decisive blow. It is what it is – no excuses can change that. It was a shame the contest didn't go on a bit longer given the magnitude of the event." Looking ahead, Sims suggested that moving up to middleweight or even super‑middleweight could open the door to a potential third encounter with Chris Eubank Jr. The two fighters, who are the sons of the legendary 1990s rivals Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, have already faced each other twice at middleweight.
Benn lost the first meeting but secured a victory in the rematch, leaving fans eager for a decisive third bout. "That fight will always be on the radar, whether it's a year from now or a decade later," Sims said.
"Because of the family legacy, the matchup will forever be a talking point. Whether Conor wants to pursue it or Chris does, the possibility remains." Sims also hinted that Benn might take a break from boxing for the foreseeable future. "I don't think we'll hear much from Conor about boxing in the near term," he noted. "He needs a complete rest right now.
Financially, he's set for life, but the mental and physical toll has left him burnt out." The implications of Benn's decision to stay clear of the welterweight division are significant for the sport. At 147 pounds, Benn had been a prominent figure, known for his aggressive style and knockout power.
However, the difficulty of making weight, combined with the harsh lesson learned against Garcia, appears to have convinced both him and his camp that a higher weight class offers a healthier, more sustainable path forward. Transitioning to middleweight (160 pounds) or super‑middleweight (168 pounds) would allow Benn to fight without the strain of severe weight cuts, potentially improving his endurance, power, and overall performance. It would also align him with a new set of opponents and title opportunities, expanding his marketability and legacy.
The move could rejuvenate his career, especially if he can capture a world title in a higher division, echoing the trajectories of other fighters who have successfully reinvented themselves after moving up. Moreover, the prospect of a third Benn‑Eubank Jr. showdown adds an intriguing narrative to the middleweight landscape.
Their family histories are intertwined with one of boxing's most famous rivalries, and a decisive third match would not only settle a personal score but also draw significant attention from fans and promoters alike. A win for either fighter would cement their place in the annals of the sport, while a competitive bout could reignite interest in both athletes' careers. In summary, Tony Sims' statements make it abundantly clear: Conor Benn's welterweight chapter is closed.
The loss to Ryan Garcia served as a harsh reminder of the challenges associated with cutting weight at the elite level. Moving up in weight promises a fresh start, reduced physical strain, and the tantalizing possibility of a historic third clash with Chris Eubank Jr. For now, Benn appears to be taking a step back to recover, both mentally and physically, before charting his next move in the sport.