Conor Benn wants an immediate world-title shot after he faces Regis Prograis on April 11.
Benn expects to beat Prograis, the former world champion, when they meet on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. His main aim after that victory is to challenge WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia — and he wants that fight staged in a UK football stadium.
“Once this fight is done and out the way, God willing the victory is mine, I believe the world title is mine as well,” Benn told Sky Sports. “Provided April 11 goes to plan and I get the stoppage, I want to be straight back out. Another stadium show sounds lovely, doesn’t it?”
Benn said his single goal is to win a world title, noting he is more comfortable in life now but that his work has taken on more purpose and intent. He also wants to follow in the footsteps of his father, Nigel Benn, and win the WBC belt.
He will fight Prograis at 150lbs — his lowest weight since 2022 — and is confident about making the reduction. “It’s only a few pounds over. Getting down to 150, based on how I’m feeling shouldn’t be an issue at all,” he said, reflecting that for the Eubank fights he was walking around at about 175lbs.
Benn expects to face the best version of Prograis, a dangerous southpaw and two-time world titlist at 140lbs who has only lost to top fighters such as Josh Taylor, Devin Haney and Jack Catterall. “I’m preparing for the best Regis… I’ll be more than well equipped to handle whatever he brings. I’m going to be looking for that shot,” Benn said. “I believe I get the stoppage. I prepare for the stoppage all the time, every single one of my fights I look for the knockout and I’ll be looking for it.”
April 11 will be Benn’s first competitive fight since leaving Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing for Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. He said the move was the best decision for his career and that he’s excited for the new chapter, but he remains focused on the immediate task. “I’m dialled in, locked in and focused on April 11. So for me everything else is just noise. Ultimately the goal is still the same and that’s to win a world title.”
Although he has a new promoter, Benn continues with the same core team, including head trainer Tony Sims. “My whole team are with me until the wheels fall off,” he said, praising the group he has built over the past decade.
Benn admitted he isn’t sure how the crowd will receive him at Tottenham — his third straight fight at the north London venue — saying fans can swing between loving and hating a fighter. “One day they love you, one day they hate you… Love me or hate me I’m Conor Benn and the way I am is the way I am. I wouldn’t change for nobody. My job is to give you value for money.”
He reflected on his two fights with Chris Eubank Jr — the first a decision loss that won the British Boxing Board of Control’s Contest of the Year, the rematch a decision win in which he dropped Eubank twice — and suggested those bouts will be tough to top in his career. Still, he wants to deliver similar excitement while also showing more boxing IQ alongside his aggression. “Expect what you expect when you watch a Conor Benn fight, which is just excitement,” he said. “Ultimately I want to display more than aggression… I want to display boxing ability and boxing IQ. I’m coming out there and I do take no prisoners. That’s my style. I’m going to come out there and do some damage for sure. That’s my goal. Give people value for money.”