Dalton Smith will be a keen observer when Conor Benn takes on Regis Prograis in April.
Smith is the WBC super-lightweight champion and has been since his knockout of Subriel MatÃas in January in New York City. He could well move up the weights later in his career and eventually run into Benn, who is a welterweight despite his last two fights being up at catchweights of 160lbs against Chris Eubank Jr.
He lost the first fight but, despite being the naturally smaller man, won the rematch in November via 12-round decision. He is now set to face former world champion Prograis on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov.
The fight with the former two-time super-lightweight world champion takes place at a 150lb catchweight, which means Prograis will be fighting higher than ever.
Speaking to Boxing News, Smith gave his view of the contest and predicted a win for Benn.
“He’s been a great champion, but it’s a young man’s sport; he’s getting on now, he’s past his best days. It’s a good test for Conor. He’s never really fought anybody at world level and Prograis has been there. He’s past his best days, but it’s a good fight.”
Benn will be hoping to look good in this fight, his first with promoter Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, as he has long stated that he is keen to hunt down a world title sooner rather than later, with the likes of Devin Haney, Rolly Romero and Ryan Garcia all men he has called out.
