Tony Sims, the man who has been in Conor Benn's corner for years, has made it clear that the British boxer will not step back into the welterweight division again. The statement came in the aftermath of Benn's high‑profile clash with Ryan Garcia, a bout that was billed as a showdown for the WBC welterweight world title. Benn, who had cut down to the 147‑pound limit for the fight, was overwhelmed by Garcia's power and was stopped while still on his feet in the second round.
Sims spoke to Sky Sports without hesitation, saying, "There are no excuses. The weight was a challenge, no doubt about it, and Conor 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 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 bout will be Benn's final appearance at welterweight, adding, "Without a shadow of a doubt, this was his last fight at 147 pounds.
He made the weight, but it was far from easy." The trainer also highlighted the financial stakes, noting that the magnitude of the fight and the purse on the line would not have been available in any other matchup at that weight class. "Sometimes you have to take big risks for big rewards," Sims explained.
Sims expressed surprise at the timing of the referee's stoppage. "Benn landed a fantastic shot and recovered quickly, showing great heart. He tried to clinch, he was slipping on the ropes, and I thought he was doing the right thing by staying in the fight.
The stoppage felt a little premature, but the punch that landed was a solid, fight‑ending blow. It is what it is – there are no excuses for the outcome, but it was a shame the fight didn't get a few more rounds given its significance." Looking ahead, Sims suggested that Benn may consider moving up in weight, either to middleweight or even super‑middleweight.
Such a move could set the stage for a potential third encounter with Chris Eubank Jr., the son of another legendary British fighter. The two families have a storied rivalry that dates back to the 1990s when Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank faced off. Conor and Chris have already met twice at middleweight: Benn lost the first bout but won the rematch, leaving fans eager for a decisive third fight.
"That fight will always be on the horizon, whether it's a year from now or ten years later," Sims said. "The names are forever linked, and the matchup will keep resurfacing. Whether Conor wants to pursue it or Chris does, the bout remains a possibility." However, Sims also warned that Benn might need a break from the sport altogether.
"I don't think we'll hear much about Conor boxing for a while," he added. "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 decision to abandon the welterweight division could have several implications for Benn's career trajectory. Moving up to middleweight (160 pounds) or super‑middleweight (168 pounds) would require a different conditioning regimen, as the boxer would need to add lean muscle while maintaining speed and stamina. Historically, fighters who have successfully transitioned to higher weight classes, such as Canelo Álvarez or Gennady Golovkin, have done so by gradually increasing their training load and focusing on nutrition that supports muscle growth without sacrificing agility.
For Benn, the transition could also open doors to new rivalries beyond the Eubank family. The British middleweight scene is currently stacked with talent, including the likes of Billy Joe Saunders, Jack Cullen, and the rising star Liam Smith. A fresh start at a higher weight could rejuvenate Benn's marketability and give him the chance to rebuild his legacy after the disappointment in the Garcia fight.
From a financial perspective, the move could be lucrative as well. Middleweight and super‑middleweight fights often draw larger pay‑per‑view audiences, especially when they involve high‑profile British names.
Sponsorship deals, gate revenues, and international broadcasting rights tend to increase with the profile of the fighters and the weight class's historical prestige. Nevertheless, the physical challenges should not be underestimated. Gaining 13 to 21 pounds of functional muscle is a demanding process that requires careful monitoring by nutritionists, strength coaches, and medical staff.
Benn will need to avoid simply adding bulk, which could compromise his speed—a key attribute that has defined his fighting style. Instead, a balanced program emphasizing explosive power, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility will be essential. In the meantime, fans and pundits will continue to debate the merits of a third Benn‑Eubank Jr. showdown.
The first two fights produced a narrative arc of defeat, redemption, and lingering questions about who truly holds the upper hand. A final bout could serve as a definitive chapter, potentially settling the rivalry once and for all.
Sims remains optimistic about the future, but realistic about the present. "Conor needs time to heal, both physically and mentally," he said.
"When he's ready, the options are there—whether it's a move up in weight, a new opponent, or that long‑awaited third fight with Chris. Until then, we focus on recovery and making sure he comes back stronger and smarter."