Benn made clear that the two fights with Chris Eubank Jr have already changed his financial standing. “Even from the Eubank fights, I’m set up for life,” he said.
He has financial security now, and with the reported $15 million he’s getting for his fight against Prograis, he doesn’t have the same career urgency that less fortunate fighters do. The interesting part about it is that Benn still hasn’t beaten a true top-level fighter or won a world title to make his fortune. This has all been done against largely older, faded fighters: Eubank Jr., Chris Algieri, and Chris van Heerden.
The April 11 fight, agreed as a one-fight deal, is designed to keep him active while he works back toward the 147-pound division, where he intends to pursue Ryan Garcia’s title. Benn stated that a shot could come before the end of the year if he defeats Regis.
“I stayed in the gym. I stayed ready. I stayed disciplined,” Conor said. “Providing I do what I need to do, it’s almost guaranteed I’ll fight for one by the end of the year.”
It’s questionable whether Benn will get the title shot in 2026 because WBC champion Ryan Garcia is expected to fight Devin Haney in September. That’s not going to leave enough time for the winner to defend against Benn before the end of the year. So instead of fighting this year for the WBC belt, Benn may need to wait until early 2027.
For the sake of public image, it would look better if Conor fought the #2 or #3 ranked WBC contenders, Souleymane Cissokho or Raul Curiel, before fighting for the world title at 147. At least by doing that, Benn could show that he deserves a world title shot instead of having it given to him due to his popularity in the UK and his last name.
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