Trainer Tony Sims has cast doubt on whether a potential fight between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia can realistically come together on the often-rumored Cinco de Mayo weekend. The bout has been discussed as a possibility if Garcia dethrones WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on February 21 in Las Vegas.
Sims acknowledged Benn’s strong position in the division but questioned the turnaround time required for Garcia. With the February 21 fight landing just before March, Sims noted that Benn would ideally like to return in April, leaving only eight or nine weeks for Garcia to recover and prepare. That scenario, Sims suggested, may be unrealistic, particularly given uncertainties over whether Benn would need an interim bout to stay active.
The trainer also pointed out that the first step is seeing how the Barrios-Garcia fight plays out. Citing Garcia’s upset loss to Rolando Romero last year after entering as a heavy favorite, Sims stressed that nothing can be assumed and that Benn’s team is prepared to line up alternative plans if needed.
Any delay could work to Benn’s advantage in another area: weight management. Although ranked No. 1 by the WBC at 147lbs, Benn has not fought there since 2022, with his last two bouts taking place at middleweight. Sims explained that Benn is already easing his weight down and expects to bring him to around 158lbs soon, doing so gradually rather than rushing the process.
Reflecting on Benn’s decisive November rematch win over Eubank, Sims credited both tactical improvements and circumstances on the opponent’s side. Benn, he said, stayed disciplined, boxed behind his jab, and avoided emotional mistakes that derailed him in their first meeting.
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