Boxing
Conor Benn says he no longer struggles with anger
Benn says the experience and personal challenges changed his mindset heading into the fight with Regis Prograis
Conor Benn said he is no longer driven by anger ahead of his fight with Regis Prograis, pointing to a change in attitude after recent years in and out of the ring. The welterweight fight will take place on Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Benn returning to his natural weight.
Benn reflected on his approach to previous fights, saying he took his frustration into the ring and fought with something to prove. He described this version of himself as different from the one he is in now.
“I was enraged. I had this chip on my shoulder. I’m not that guy anymore,” Benn said during his final press conference on Thursday.
He said the change came through experience and personal challenges, adding that he now goes into fights with a clearer attitude. Benn pointed to changes in both his approach and preparation throughout the process. He added that dealing with setbacks outside the ring played a role in how he handles the pressure now.
“It comes with age. It comes with experience. You become a better fighter,” Benn said.
Benn also said he is now focused on results rather than proving people wrong, describing his goal as delivering consistent results rather than reacting emotionally. He added that a return to welterweight should allow him to show a more complete style, both physically and mentally.
Prograis comes in as a more experienced opponent, a former two-time world champion who has competed at the highest level. This fight is a step forward for Benn, who wants to secure a title shot and strengthen his position in the division with a victory.
Benn said his priority is to get to grips with the task ahead before he looks ahead to bigger fights.
Saturday will show how this change of attitude will translate into the start of the fight.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last update: 2026/04/10 at 3:52
He also claimed that future options are already planned for Tim Tszyu and Errol Spence Jr.
“We are talking to Tim Tszyu and Errol Spence. All three have agreed to fight me.”
This is an ambitious statement from a fighter who has not competed since his defeat to Canelo Alvarez in 2023. Charlo turns 36 on May 19, and many fans believe the long break should mean tuning in or fighting a challenger first rather than immediately fighting for the champion. Charlo, however, made it clear that he still sees himself as the best man in the division.
The problem is that Jermell is essentially trying to cash his 2022 check in a completely different economy. PPV prices on PBC have increased to over $75, and asking fans to pay that for a guy who hasn’t won a fight since May 2022 is tough. This is a financial risk for promoters.
Jermell is used to unquestioned ‘money. If he’s asking for a huge guaranteed amount to fight Fundora or Ennis, the math just doesn’t work for the promoter unless the bid is above $150 or $200,000.
In boxing, three years is an eternity. Since Jermell stayed noiseless, we’ve seen the rise of Xander Zayas and the emergence of “Boots” Ennis at 154.
“I told you I was coming back. I told you I wanted my stripes,” Charlo said. “Nobody beat me by the belt.”
Promoters aren’t calling because Jermell’s confidence is currently low. If the promoter puts him in the main event and he looks like the version of himself that did or didn’t show up in the Canelo Alvarez match, the event is a disaster. Financially, it could still be a disaster.
Jermell wants the reward of a champion without the upgrade tax that every other veteran has to pay after a long layoff. With 2026 filled with newborn, hungry and busy talent, thinking that you can simply move to the front of the queue because of what you did four years ago is definitely a bold choice.
If Jermell had just gone for it and beaten some of the top 154 fighters like Israil Madrimov, Bakhram Murtazaliev and Brandon Adams, it wouldn’t have been much of a problem.
Terence Crawford left boxing undefeated with little to prove, and yet Mauricio Sulaimán reignited an senior feud, describing the former champion’s retirement as “cowardly” in an interview this week.
“Fight in September for the world title. He has many options: Benavidez, Charlo, a rematch with Crawford, who cowardly retired, Bivol and Beterbiev. He is in a position where he can choose,” WBC president Sulaiman told Tiempo Extra.
This seems like a more personal than professional paperwork dispute. Sulaimán’s “cowardly” comment is clearly payback for the bridge Crawford burned on his way out.
When Crawford defeated Canelo in September 2025, he effectively retired as “King of the Hill” and then told the Neighborhood Association (WBC) that their membership dues were a scam.
During his Instagram Live tirade, Crawford refused to pay and devalued the entire existence of the WBC. Calling the eminent green belt a “trophy” that “doesn’t mean shit” is a direct attack on Sulaimán’s legacy and the prestige he strives to maintain for the WBC.
The WBC says it lowered its usual 3% commission to 0.6% ($300,000) to be “fair” and Crawford still hasn’t moved on it. By paying the other three organizations (WBA, IBF, WBO) but freezing the WBC, Crawford singled them out as the only organization he felt was not worth his money.
Crawford clearly stated that The Ring belt is a “real belt” because it is free. This is a nightmare for sanctioning bodies because it encourages other stars to realize that they don’t actually need pricey “alphabet” titles from sanctioning bodies to be considered the best.
Calling a 42-0 fighter who has just been promoted and trained by Canelo a “coward” is objectively absurd in a boxing sense. However, in Sulaimán’s language, “cowardly” likely refers to Crawford’s refusal to “stand and fight” in the boardroom.
By retiring, Crawford prevented the WBC from receiving the $300,000 he already owed them for the belt. Additionally, his retirement meant future billing for the massive Crawford vs. Benavidez or Crawford vs. Bivol.
It also prevented the WBC from formally stripping him as a punishment while he was still energetic.
Click here to sign up for our FREE newsletter
Related boxing news:
Last updated: 23/04/2026 at 12:28
😤 Tyson Fury – ‘THERE’S ONLY ONE BOSS ON THESE SHORES’
Jermell Charlo is negotiating a fight with Sebastian Fundora
David Benavidez Says One Man ‘Must Face Him’ After Zurdo Ramirez: ‘I’m Taking All His Belts’
-
Opinions & Features1 year agoPacquiao vs marquez competition: History of violence
-
MMA1 year agoDmitry Menshikov statement in the February fight
-
Results1 year agoStephen Fulton Jr. becomes world champion in two weight by means of a decision
-
Results1 year agoKeyshawn Davis Ko’s Berinchyk, when Xander Zayas moves to 21-0
-
Video1 year agoFrank Warren on Derek Chisora vs Otto Wallin – ‘I THOUGHT OTTO WOULD GIVE DEREK PROBLEMS!’
-
Analysis1 year agoRobert Garcia discusses the debate on the greatest Mexican warrior in history
-
Video1 year ago‘DEREK CHISORA RETIRE TONIGHT!’ – Anthony Yarde PLEADS for retirement after WALLIN
-
Results1 year agoLive: Catterall vs Barboza results and results card