Diaz warns Benn about Prograis power and timing
Joseph Diaz believes Conor Benn has a slight edge over Regis Prograis in their April 11 catchweight fight. The former world champion says the matchup could still be dangerous for Benn.
Prograis last fought in August when he defeated Diaz by unanimous decision. Having shared the ring with him, Diaz offered his assessment of how the matchup with Benn might play out.
Speaking to MillCity Boxing, Diaz said:
“Regis is a good fighter, he’s a slick fighter. He pretends he’s hurt sometimes, he lands good combinations. If Conor gets caught with a shot unexpectedly, Regis hits hard, he could really put some damage to Conor.
“It’s a good fight for both competitors and for boxing. It’s a fight that boxing needs right now. I’m giving the slight edge to Conor Benn because he’s fighting at a heavier weight, and if he lands some good body shots and a good shot up top, he could get Regis out of there.
“Regis is a slick fighter though, so if Benn is a little too wild like he gets sometimes and drops his hands and stuff and Regis catches and clips him, he can win the fight as well, so it’s a good fight.”
Benn enters the contest with a 24-1 professional record. His only defeat came against Chris Eubank Jr, though he later avenged that loss in November.
Prograis brings deeper championship experience into the ring. The Louisiana southpaw is a two-time super-lightweight world champion known for sharp counters and quick combinations when opponents leave openings.
If Benn forces exchanges and commits to the body early, the fight could swing his way. But Prograis’ timing and ability to land combinations when opponents overreach make him a difficult assignment.
