Regis Prograis looks to hand Conor Benn his second defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.
Benn fights at the 63,000 capacity venue for the third time in a row next month, having first suffered a close defeat to Chris Eubank Jr there in April 2024 but returning to beat his rival convincingly in their rematch seven months later.
Both fights were at the middleweight limit of 160lbs, but Benn has been adamant that welterweight – 147 – is where he will pursue world titles. As he works his way back down, he will meet two-time super-lightweight world champion Prograis at a 150lb catchweight.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Prograis said he took the fight, even at a disadvantage with the weight, because he simply ‘knows’ he is better than the Brit.
“I just feel like I’m better. That’s it. I know I’m better than Conor Benn. Listen, if he didn’t have the last name from his dad, who is a legend, he wouldn’t be where he is right now. I didn’t have no daddy that boxed. I’ve been a world champion, at the top twice already, doing out the mud. He had a big old push. I know I’m better skill-wise, and don’t be surprised if I’m stronger than him.”
Asked specifically about the fact that Benn – who is reportedly being paid close to $15 million for the bout – is dropping down and he is moving up, Prograis believes he can match, and even surpass, the bigger man when it comes down to raw power.
“Let him come with that charging s**t. I got power, and, like I said, don’t be surprised if I’m stronger. Conor Benn fought on my undercard in 2019 when I fought Josh Taylor. I watch his videos. I know he likes to be on the weights and that type of s**t. They think that weight transfers to the ring, and maybe it does, but I know I’ve got power. We’re gonna see if he can take those same shots with me … My coaches got the confidence, I got the confidence, I know it’s gonna be a real good night.
“If he want to come and slug it out, we can do it. I’m with it that too. Then we’re gonna have to see who’s more of a dog. And I don’t back down.”