Carl Froch has given his prediction and thoughts on Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis, which takes place at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.
It was confirmed on February 26 that Benn will feature on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov, just under a week after the Brit announced his signing with Zuffa Boxing.
The stunning turn of events saw the 29-year-old leave Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn for UFC boss Dana White, inking a one-fight deal which is reportedly worth eight figures.
As for the fight itself, many have offered contrasting opinions on Benn facing Prograis, a former two-time world super-lightweight champion.
Despite his decorated career, the 37-year-old is thought to be well past his best, especially after going toe-to-toe with fellow veteran Joseph Diaz last August.
The pair engaged in an enthralling 10-round war that saw Prograis emerge victorious, though his performance was ultimately a far cry from what he produced against Josh Taylor.
Back then, in 2019, the American lost a wafer-thin majority decision but nonetheless showed his world-class skills and undeniable doggedness.
With Prograis now fighting Benn at 150lbs, though, many feel that he is too undersized for ‘The Destroyer’, who outpointed Chris Eubank Jr at 160lbs in November.
Sharing that viewpoint, Hall of Famer Froch said on his YouTube channel that the Brit should claim a stoppage victory while, at the same time, encountering his toughest test thus far.
“He’s fighting Regis Prograis, who’s actually a smaller man and an older man – [a former] 140lb world champion.
“It doesn’t warrant the [reported] $15m, [but] I’m glad he’s getting paid well. He’s the fighter – he’s the one taking the punches.
“It’s a good choice for Conor Benn because [Prograis has] been inactive. He’s past his best, he’s been beat, he’s coming up in weight and he’s fighting someone who’s very big in Conor Benn. But here’s the caveat: who the f**k’s Conor Benn ever beat?
“This is probably his toughest fight so far. [But] I do expect Conor Benn to win the fight; I do expect him to get the job done, probably early.”
Prograis claims that he had attempted to negotiate a different weight, and introduce a rehydration clause, but Team Benn remained firm on their original terms.
