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Keys to Victory: Where will Conor Benn-Regis Prograis fight be won and lost?
Conor Benn’s high-profile signing with Zuffa Boxing sent shockwaves through the sport.
The British fighter can make a bigger splash if he is successful tonight against former two-time world champion Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The welterweight bout will be the co-feature to the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov headliner.
Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) is back at welterweight following the biggest win of his career in an avenging and dominant unanimous decision over Chris Eubank Jr. in their November rematch at middleweight. Meanwhile, the American southpaw Prograis (30-3, 24 KOs), a former two-time super lightweight champ, last defeated Joseph Diaz with a unanimous decision of his own in August.
Will Benn roar to victory in his debut with Zuffa Boxing, keeping the momentum going strong? Or will Prograis, at 37, prove his ring savvy and potent hands are enough to issue the upset? DAZN News examines their Keys to Victory heading into tonight’s fight.
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Conor Benn’s Keys to Victory
Pressure forward against Prograis
At 29 to Regis Prograis’ 37, Conor Benn is the younger fighter and he must show it in dictating the pace of this bout with forward-forced pressure.
Benn has his best chance to win tonight’s fight walking Prograis down, while unleashing slashing shots from pointed angles as he did against Chris Eubank Jr. in November.
He must test Prograis’ chin early and generating pressure will help him do that.
Stab to the body
Benn changing levels and stabbing to Prograis' body with the jab can allow the British fighter to sap some of the American’s energy, while also providing the continued space for ‘The Destroyer’ to operate.
What’s best for Benn is he naturally does this in jabbing to opponents’ midsection within the flow of his fighting game.
Do not get erratic
When Benn fought Eubank the first time last April, his raw emotions sometimes got the best of him as he swung wildly and missed on those wide attempts.
Benn tempered those emotions better in their rematch and though he remained the aggressor, the British fighter was able to stay composed.
He cannot afford to get erratic against an experienced Prograis who will make him pay.
The buildup between the two has seemingly grown personal, making Benn’s composure is a key.
DAZNRegis Prograis’ Keys to Victory
Split Benn’s guard with the jab early
Regis Prograis splitting Conor Benn’s guard with a pesky jab could be vital toward ‘Rougarou’ not only standing his ground, but dismantling some of the pressure the British aggressor brings.
Prograis’ ability to land the jab with consistency could be an early indicator to let fight fans know if he can muster an upset.
Meet Benn in traffic
Along the lines of standing his ground, Prograis would be aided in meeting Benn in traffic with pointed counterpunches.
The American possesses blunt power with 24 of his 30 pro wins coming by the way of knockout. Timing Benn in traffic with a power counter left might be Prograis’ best chance toward the upset and spoiling Benn’s Zuffa Boxing debut.
Keep a tight guard
Prograis shows a high, tight guard, but at times lowers it to about chest level, leaving him vulnerable. Devin Haney and Jack Catterall each exploited this, finding Prograis’ chin toward a knockdown and eventual victory.
Benn is capable of doing the same, putting the onus on Prograis to use his wealth of experience in protecting himself at all times on this world stage.
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