Conor Benn was typically fiery at the press conference to promote Saturday’s contest with Regis Prograis at London, England’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Benn has rarely been out of the boxing headlines recently due to his split from promoter Eddie Hearn, with both sides adding fuel to the fire.

There was more talk from Benn, who has signed a one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, about being open to a reconciliation with the Matchroom boss in the future. So far, so familiar.

Benn, 24-1 (14 KOs), is coming off a defining two-fight series with Chris Eubank Jnr, losing the first on a close decision but winning the return convincingly on points, up at middleweight. The bout with the fading Prograis – a former junior welterweight titlist last seen weighing 142lbs – is set for 150lbs.

“I prepare hard and work hard,” Benn said. “I’ve been walking around at 175 for the last two years. People said I couldn’t drop back down. Well, I’ve done it.

“I don’t think winning a world title will beat beating Eubank. But now I have to win that world title and I’m back at my natural weight.

“For me to fight someone my own size, it’s exciting. It’s where I’m at my most dangerous.

“Regis presents a different test. When they mentioned him, I said, ‘yeah, no problem.’ I believe I win convincingly. He is at world level, he is accomplished but everyone I fight will be more accomplished [at this stage of my career].”

Benn sits pretty at No. 1 in the WBC welterweight rankings despite not fighting in the division for four years. Ryan Garcia is the champion at 147.

“A lot of people ask me about Garcia, about my future, but I can’t talk about that future until I take care of business on Saturday,” Benn said.

“If I see a little chink in the armour, I will exploit it. I want to remind everyone why I’m one of the most dangerous welterweights out there.”

The rise in weight, coupled with Benn being eight years younger at 29, makes Prograis a significant underdog. Throw in the rumors circulating that Prograis, 30-3 (24 KOs), is carrying an injury and the task ahead appears mountainous.

“I’m not injured, you’re not going to be 100 per cent in camp, I had some problems, but I pushed past them,” said a prickly Prograis. “I don’t even know where all this came from. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in myself.

“I already wanted to go up in weight anyway,” he added about fighting 10 pounds north of what is perceived to have been his peak. “I’m not going to say [Benn’s] not world class but he hasn’t proved himself as world class yet. He’s the one stepping up.”

When encouraged to comment further on Benn, Prograis – surely in a nod to reports suggesting that his opponent is earning an eight-figure sum – said: “They ain’t paying me enough to talk shit and stir the pot. I ain’t getting paid enough for sell this fight.

“But after this [fight], I can call out whoever I want.”