Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) has been embroiled in a long-running middleweight rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr. but scaled just under 150 pounds for the 10-round fight.

Although Prograis (30-4, 24 KOs) went to great pains throughout fight week to stress that rumours of an injury ravaged camp were greatly exaggerated, he was clearly a shadow of the man who won two world titles at 140 pounds and announced his retirement after the fight.

Still, the 37-year-old Louisianan was knowledgeable and clever enough to keep Benn at bay and serve a timely reminder that whilst the 29-year-old’s rivalry with Eubank has made him one of the most high profile figures in the sport, he still has lots of improving to do if he is to enter fight with the welterweight division’s biggest names with genuine hopes of winning.

“It was great. It was an easy 10 rounds. I believe I won 10 of the rounds,” Benn told The Ring after the fight, which took place on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Regis was tough in there, tougher than I expected. I’m just excited to be back down to my natural weight. You know, it's been four years, so just excited to to be back down there.”

The fall out from Benn’s decision to end his long relationship with Matchroom Boxing in order to sign a highly lucrative promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing dominated the build-up to the fight with Prograis.

Benn refused to blame a lukewarm performance on outside the ring attention.

“No, all noise. I don't listen to the noise,” he said. “I'm at a stage in my life where noise doesn't affect me or bother me. Noise is noise. I'd rather people be speaking than not speaking about my career, good or bad.”

Clearly unimpressed by what he saw, WBC welterweight champion, Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs), took to X immediately after the final bell to voice his interest in fighting Benn.

Although he hasn’t made the welterweight limit of 147 pounds since beating Chris Van Heerden four years ago, Benn sits at No. 1 in the WBC rankings.

The lightening fast Garcia would represent an entirely different and altogether more dangerous task than Prograis but it is a challenge Benn feels ready for.

“Of course he calls me out now. He's a coward. He probably thinks, “How’s Conor looking at 147, 150 [for the first time in] four years. He weren't calling me out for the past two years, was he?” Benn said.

“Where's he been while I've been vocal and actively chasing that fight? It's cowardly, but you know, he can get it next and he'll get a better version of me.”