Prograis slates Benn reputation with brutal rebuke before mega-bout

Regis Prograis believes Conor Benn "would be a nobody" were it not for having his father Nigel's surname, ahead of their blockbuster bout.

The pair headline the undercard for Tyson Fury's comeback bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April.

It marks an immediate return for Benn to the site of his duology with Chris Eubank Jr., having claimed a rematch victory back in November.

But former two-time super-lightweight champion Prograis believes the star is only afforded such opportunities by dint of his famous dad.

"I feel like Conor Benn has a name because of his dad, that's it," he told The Ring. "If his last name wasn't Benn, he would be a nobody.

"I never had [...] people in my family that boxed before, and I still made it to the top twice. I just feel like I'm a better fighter and that's it.

"I definitely feel like he’s been overhyped. I don’t want to disrespect Chris Eubank Jr., but I don’t think [he had] ever been a champion before.

"[Benn] lost to a guy like that. I feel like I’m a world-class fighter [in comparison]. It’s levels, and [I'm going to] show [that] there’s levels to it.”

Benn is eyeing a return to welterweight with a possible challenge against WBC champion Ryan Garcia in the pipeline for the back half of 2025.

The Briton sent shockwaves through the sport when he defected from long-term home Matchroom to join Zuffa ahead of this latest test.

Prograis, meanwhile, is seeking to secure a rare victory on British soil after losses to Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall in his previous visits.

Prograis fires early shots in war of words

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

Matters are rarely sedate when Conor Benn is involved, but Regis Prograis has got out in front with an early broadside against his next foe.

The Briton has often been dogged by questions of legitimacy as he has sought to step beyond his father's successful prizefighter shadow.

With just the one professional loss to Chris Eubank Jr. - subsequently avenged in their rematch - the numbers on Benn's record stack up.

But he is yet to secure a major world title shot and plenty of his possible rivals are only too happy to needle him when the chance arises.

Benn seldom keeps his powder dry. This will be an undercard bout to watch, with fireworks sure to come from one or both men on the way.

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