Conor Benn Wins, But Shakur Stevenson And Others Aren’t Impressed

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image contains graphic content.) Conor Benn, seen with blood running down his cheek, looks on during the Super Welterweight fight between Conor Benn and Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images for Netflix)

Getty Images for Netflix

HIGHLIGHTS

• A world-class fighter won but didn't look like one in the process.
• Two of boxing's biggest names weighed in on the performance and neither was complimentary.
• A massive promotional deal is under the microscope after what happened in London.

As expected, in the co-main event for Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov on Netflix, Conor Benn defeated a version of Regis Prograis who is far beyond his prime. That said, Benn who has made Tottenham Hotspur Stadium his new home stadium, didn't look overly impressive. Prograis, competing at a 150-pound catchweight, took Benn's best shots and delivered a bit of his own punishment.

Benn landed the harder punches and he punished Prograis' body en route to the unanimous decision win (98-92x3). Benn's defense was the aspect of his game that was least impressive, especially when you consider he has entertained fights with the likes of Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia.

After defeating arch rival Chris Eubank Jr. at Tottenham Hotspur in 2025, Benn did use his new stomping grounds as the location for his push for a new deal with Zuffa and big fights with opponents like Stevenson and Garcia. The action was rough and tumble and entertaining, but the hope is that Benn has more to give.

What Happened in the Fight?

British boxer Conor Benn (L) throws a punch at US boxer Regis Prograis (R) during their super-welterweight contest at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London on April 11, 2026. (Photo by Henry NICHOLLS / AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Benn showed toughness and grit, which is his calling card. However, he still appears to lack the technical prowess necessary to compete with Stevenson. His defensive lapses could also be an issue against a puncher like Garcia who has significant hand speed.

The scorecards were wide at 98-92 across all three judges. Benn’s body work was effective but Prograis absorbed the damage and kept coming forward.

What Did Stevenson Say?

Stevenson said he would be disappointed in himself if the fight went the distance. He also said him vs. Benn wouldn't be fair. That's a bold statement from a fighter who has been looking for a signature win of his own.

I wasn't the only one less than impressed by Benn's performance. Former fighter Michael Conlan also scoffed at Zuffa paying an estimated $15 million for Benn in this fight.

Was the $15M Zuffa Deal Worth It?

Based on this fight, in a vacuum, this was not a fight worth $15 million. That said, Benn remains a major draw and a guy who puts on exciting fights. Those two things don't add up to high skill levels, which I hope still matters a bit more than the willingness to stand toe-to-toe.

The Fury vs. Makhmudov card was Benn's debut under the Zuffa banner. The investment needs bigger returns moving forward.

What's Next for Benn?

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Conor Benn and Regis Prograis talk after the Super Welterweight fight between Conor Benn and Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images for Netflix)

Getty Images for Netflix

At this point, anything beyond a big fight against someone like Stevenson, Garcia or Devin Haney makes no sense. Garcia took to X to declare himself “down” for the fight.

We'll see what happens.

Benn (25-1, 15 KOs) has Tottenham as his home base and Zuffa’s promotional muscle behind him. The pieces are in place. The skill set needs to catch up to the ambition.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com