Conor Benn will not return to welterweight

Tony Sims confirms Ryan Garcia was Benn’s final fight at 147

Conor Benn’s trainer, Tony Sims, has confirmed that his fighter will not return to the welterweight division following his loss to Ryan Garcia. The British boxer had cut weight to 147 for this bout, but was hit hard in the second round and was subsequently pulled from the fight.

Sims told SkySports that Conor Benn is by no means looking for excuses for this loss; while making weight had been difficult, he had completed a good training camp and his sparring had always been very good. Ultimately, Conor Benn was simply hit hard, which always can happen in boxing.

Sims explicitly confirmed, however, that Ryan Garcia was his last opponent at welterweight. Conor Benn did make weight, but it was by no means easy for him. Sims emphasized, however, that you have to take risks for fights like this.

“There are no excuses. It was tough doing the weight of course it was. He was never going to lie about that. But he did have a good camp, the sparring the week before went really well, he was in tune, listen he just got caught with a shot. In world boxing, that's what happens”

he said.

Sims also expressed surprise that the fight ended as early as the second round. Although Conor Benn took a very hard punch, Sims felt that he recovered well afterward and could have kept going. From his perspective, the fight was unfortunately stopped a little too early.

A return to the middleweight or super middleweight divisions could, however, keep significantly more doors open for Conor Benn in the long run. For example, a third bout against Chris Eubank Jr. would be possible. The two have already faced each other twice, with each winning once. A third, decisive fight would be a very exciting option here.

For now, though, Sims expects Conor Benn to take a longer break. The trainer believes his fighter needs a break from boxing, both physically and mentally, since the previous bouts have apparently caused lasting damage. We can only hope that he finds his way back and that he’s doing well along the way. What do you think?