2026-01-16 11:27:18

Conor Benn’s long-anticipated clash with Ryan Garcia might not go ahead, according to his trainer Tony Sims.

The Destroyer, 29, is the mandatory challenger for the WBC welterweight title, which champion Mario Barrios, 30, will be defending against The Flash, 27, on February 21, 2026 in Las Vegas.

However, Sims has cast down on a Benn-Garcia clash, as the turnaround between the fights may be too short.

Boxing Scene reports Sims as saying: “He’s mandatory for the winner of that fight, so he’s in a good position. It depends on how big the turnaround is. February 21 is the week before March, and I know Conor would like to box in April, but that’s only eight or nine weeks after his [Garcia’s] fight.”

Sims questioned whether Garcia would be ready to return so quickly, or whether Benn would need an interim outing instead.

He said: “So I just don’t see Garcia fighting that quickly, or if Conor will fight in the interim. We’ve got to see who wins that first.

“Garcia was a big favourite against Rolly Romero, and we know what happened with that. So we will see how it plays out and get something on the back burner to keep him busy.”

Benn confirmed late last year that he would return to welterweight after avenging his April 2025 defeat to middleweight rival Chris Eubank Jr, 36, in November.

He has not competed at 147lbs since 2022 but has made it clear that the WBC belt – famously won by his father Nigel Benn in 1992 – is his primary target.

Sims explained that any delay in landing the title shot could actually benefit Benn as he continues his weight cut.

He said: “It gives us time to bring his weight down. He’s been doing that gently since the fight. He’s not a proper middleweight, but he’s walking around under 160lbs and we’re looking to bring him down to 158lbs next week and bring it down gently.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn has repeatedly stressed that Benn will not be left inactive while waiting on the Garcia–Barrios outcome.

Speaking to Matchroom Boxing, he said: “We should only wait if we are guaranteed that fight. We’re doing the work behind the scenes.”

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