Regis Prograis has assessed Conor Benn’s chances against Shakur Stevenson, considering whether he would boast enough advantages at 147lbs.
The former two-time world champion squared off with Benn earlier this month, featuring on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov at a catchweight of 150lbs.
After losing a wide unanimous decision, Prograis announced his retirement and admitted to having sustained multiple pre-fight injuries.
Because of this, it remains difficult for fans to gauge Benn’s true level, let alone if he is capable of beating a generational talent like Stevenson.
The American is, after all, widely considered to be a top five pound-for-pound star following his one-sided points victory over Teofimo Lopez in January.
Back then, Stevenson claimed his WBO super-lightweight title and, in turn, became a four-division world champion with remarkable ease, before calling out Benn during his post-fight interview.
Since their brief exchange of words, however, the pair seem to have gone their separate ways, with Stevenson even considering a move back down to 135lbs while Benn targets a clash with WBC world welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.
Against Garcia, Prograis has told Pro Boxing Fans that he would give Benn a reasonable chance at causing the upset, but doubts the Brit can compete with an operator of Stevenson’s quality.
“Not Shakur … Somebody with a lot of skills – like a ‘Boots’ [Jaron Ennis], Devin [Haney], Shakur – I don’t think he would beat those guys.”
Having previously shared rounds of sparring with Stevenson, and most recently lost on points to Benn, Prograis is perhaps better-placed than most to offer his opinion on their potential showdown.
That said, it is difficult to see their fight ever materialising, especially while Stevenson explores opportunities against the likes of IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla or defending his belt at 140lbs. Pair that with the fact that Benn has said he is not keen on a rehydration clause, the weight may be a sticking point in the fight ever taking place.
