Conor Benn’s world title fight against Ryan Garcia is edging closer to being finalised, says the British contender’s trainer Tony Sims. Garcia announced earlier this month that he expects to make the first defence of his WBC welterweight title against Benn in Las Vegas on September 12. But Sims, Benn’s long-term cornerman, insists that contract terms still need to be agreed between both fighters. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOWDownload the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more
“What I’m being told is that negotiations are still going on for the fight, so the date or the venue hasn’t been done yet, but I think we’re heading in that direction,” Sims told Sky Sports. “Conor’s WBC mandatory, so Ryan’s got to defend against him at some stage. I think the fight is getting closer to being made now.” Benn avenged the only loss on his record when he sealed a dominant points win over bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr last November. The 29-year-old
then warmed up for Garcia with a wide points win over Regis Prograis in April. “Ryan Garcia is a great fighter. He’s been in with some big fighters,” said Sims. “Obviously, Conor is going to be a massive underdog going into that fight, but it’s a massive fight commercially – they’re both really big names. “Ryan in America and Conor in the UK – massive names – and it’s a fight that everyone’s going to want to watch. “Conor’s got to be disciplined, like he
was in the second Eubank fight. He’s got to be disciplined on his tactics and if the fight gets made, then I believe Conor’s got a great chance of winning the belt.” Watch Chris Billam-Smith vs Ryan Rozicki on the Zuffa Boxing show in Bournemouth in June 6, live on Sky Sports.
Conor Benn, Ryan Garcia, Tony Sims, WBC welterweight, September 12, Las Vegas, contract negotiations, mandatory challenger, Chris Eubank Jr, Regis Prograis
So is the fight happening or not? They keep saying date but then “terms not agreed” lol.
Honestly WBC mandatory sounds like they already have it locked in. If it’s mandatory how can there still be “negotiations”?? Seems like smoke to me.
The trainer saying underdog is interesting but I feel like Ryan’s team always talks big until money gets involved. If contract terms aren’t done yet then Sept 12 in Vegas might shift… unless the WBC forces it? Also Tony Sims sounds like he’s guessing.
Conor Benn needs to be disciplined? okay but discipline didn’t stop him from losing the first time to Eubank or whatever. I’m just confused why they’re calling it his WBC mandatory but also saying venue/date isn’t final. Like aren’t fighters supposed to train based on the location? This is all over the place.