Eddie Hearn gives brutally honest assessment of Conor Benn’s world-title hopes

Eddie Hearn has given a fresh take on Conor Benn’s world-title aspirations, after watching from ringside as the welterweight beat Regis Prograis last weekend.

On the undercard of Tyson Fury’s win over Arslanbek Makhmudov, Benn fought for the first time since his shock split from Hearn, outpointing Prograis but failing to deliver his desired statement.

And his former promoter Hearn, who runs Matchroom Boxing, was in the front row at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to evaluate the 29-year-old’s showing.

Conor Benn (right) during his points win over Regis Prograis (PA)

“Listen: it’s not right of me, having told you that Conor Benn was a world-class fighter for the last five years, to start telling you he’s British-title level,” Hearn told outlets including Boxing News.

“I think he can cause world-class fighters problems. Can he beat them? Now, after what I saw on Saturday, not in a million years. But I have seen performances, like...”

Hearn then referenced Benn’s two middleweight fights with Chris Eubank Jr last year, in which Benn was beaten for the first time before winning the rematch.

“I know people say Eubank was [over the hill], or he was ill, or he was injured,” Hearn said, “but I think Conor Benn up at 154lb and 160lb is a much-better fighter. I don’t think he beats those guys at 147lb, but I do think he’s a world-class fighter.