After an unforgettable two-fight series with Chris Eubank Jr, who was in attendance here, Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) flattered to deceive for large periods but nonetheless earned to a wide points decision (98-92, 98-92, 98-92) against two-time junior welterweight world champion Regis Prograis.

There was much said in the build-up about a rumored Prograis injury and while "Rougarou" did his best to allay fears over his condition, an already diminished one after an exhaustive 33-fight, 14-year pro career, many weren't exactly convinced. That he described this opportunity as an 'alley-oop from God' suggested he would seek to expose Benn.

His feet told their own story as Benn looked to pick him apart and overwhelm him with speed, the American staggering back and lacking balance as he held his feet centre ring, looking to bait the home favorite into traps.

The opener's most noteworthy action came at the very end, Benn wobbling Prograis (30-4, 24 KOs) with a sharp one-two he didn't see and the acknowledging look that came afterwards spoke volumes: this could be over quick.

Given how easily he was tagged by JoJo Diaz in his last outing, Prograis' leaky defenses shouldn't have come as a surprise but as he jabbed and sought to frustrate Benn, the younger man's confidence grew as he repeatedly flicked out jabs and was snapping the 37-year-old's head back in the third, another round he finished strongly.

Sporting a cut over his right eye in the fourth after an accidental head clash, Benn was guilty of letting time pass by without much in the way of point-scoring punches and Prograis' left hand was landing more than once or twice.

Failing to adjust as he wanted to land his patented right hand, the 29-year-old winged wildly and left himself defensively open for counters. Prograis' machismo took over, baiting the Essex man forward, aware that more mistakes could arrive if he timed his entries the right way, having comfortably felt the best of his power early.

After eating a short left hand in the pocket which saw the other side of his face open up a crimson red color, Benn responded by swinging for the fences in the final minute of the sixth but Prograis shelled up where necessary before circling in centre ring while demonstratively shaking his head as if to say, is that all you've got?

The seventh followed a similar pattern, though Benn made a belated adjustment by digging downstairs in the eighth as Prograis' left hand connected intermittently. Benn had connected on almost double (94-48) the amount of power punches against an unsteady visitor, who held firm.

Referee Mark Bates warned the New Orleans southpaw against leading with his head early in the penultimate frame, while Andre Ward on commentary suggested Benn's display would be compared to Devin Haney's 140-pound divisional debut against the same foe three years earlier.

Somehow they headed into a tenth and final round, a stop-start and rough affair where both were ticked off for dirty boxing and not-so-subtle work. The shot of a disinterested Eubank on his phone ringside said it all.

CompuBox stats: Benn threw 126 more punches than Prograis and landed 68 more. Prograis's head did more damage than his fists, as two accidental headbutts opened cuts outside of Benn’s eyes. Benn responded to being cut by pounding Prograis’ body. Half of Benn’s power punch connects were body shots. All three judges scored the fight for Benn, 98-92.