Conor Benn was never in Saturday's fight for a world title with Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas. Garcia won after just 85 seconds of round two in front of a crowd of 18,855 at the T-Mobile Arena.
Garcia had said all week during the marketing of the fight: "He's an average fighter." Benn won the clashes during the week, but not one second of the fight for Garcia's WBC welterweight title on the night.
Benn climbed up from a knockdown and tried to stay in the fight at the end, as about 20 unanswered punches landed somewhere above his shoulders. It was a desperate finish, with bravery from Benn.
Benn has no clear idea about what happens next in his career. He is now 29, the Garcia defeat was fight number 27, and he has time, money and the magic of modern matchmaking to help him heal and get back in contention.