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Darren Barker: The Destroyer must go for gold after Regis Prograis
In his latest exclusive column for DAZN News, former IBF world middleweight champ Darren Barker looks ahead to Conor Benn's next outing on April 11 and assesses what could follow for The Destroyer.
The right fight at the right time?
If it's going to be the fight before the fight, I don't mind Conor Benn facing Regis Prograis.
I was sure he was odds-on to box for a world title — possibly against the winner of Mario Barrios-Ryan Garcia.
With Garcia beating Barrios for the WBC world welterweight title, you'd think he'd have been next. But if Conor wants to get a run out before he fights the likes of him, that’s fair enough.
Prograis didn't look good against Jack Catterall, did he? Although that was back in October 2024, it seems a bit harsh to claim he’s washed up now.
Father Time has caught up with him. It happens to everyone.
But he'll be fighting for his career and it’s a gauge to see how Conor is back down at welterweight.
As an undercard fight, I don’t mind it. For me, however, the one after this must be a world title shot for Benn. It must be a Garcia or someone like that next.
Looking at the Prograis fight, I think their styles will gel. For as long as it lasts, they're going to try and meet in the centre of the ring and let bombs go — so it could be an entertaining scrap.
Conor will win it. He's too fresh, too hungry and too ambitious for Prograis, who will give it a good go.
He’s lost three times but has never been stopped. If Benn manages to stop him, that would be a massive statement. If he doesn’t, what’s required is a wide decision with him looking good.
Essentially, Benn’s easing back in against a decent opponent at welterweight. He must be very confident that he's going to be strong back down there or he wouldn't bother.
Does he then beat Garcia? Well, it depends which version of Ryan Garcia turns up.
Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images
When he's on form, I'd have Garcia as the favourite. When he's on top form, his hand speed and boxing know-how is really impressive and he carries a lot of power.
I think speed generates most of his power but his accuracy is also very good, so it all depends on his temperament.
When Conor fights, he's on it every single time, all the time. He's committed to the task at hand and I could never rule him out.
He’s physically very strong and punches hard himself, so I really think that's an intriguing match-up if they meet.
Darren Barker was speaking to Gavin Glicksman
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