Benn’s first fight since his shock decision to split with his long-term promoter Eddie Hearn, who was watching at ringside, saw him win a comfortable decision with all three scorecards reading 98-92 in his favour.

But 10 hard rounds against classy former WBA and WBC light-welterweight champion Prograis were ideal preparation for a showdown with Garcia, who Benn is hoping to face in September.

As the bigger man and eight years younger, the odds were stacked in Benn’s favour in his first appearance since outpointing Chris Eubank Jr in November and he came on strong in the later stages with his relentless pace never slowing.

N/A

The 29-year-old was cut under both eyes but he shrugged off the discomfort and was particularly effective with an all-out body assault in the seventh round of the 150lbs catchweight contest that earned him £11.19million in a one-fight deal with Zuffa boxing.

Prograis was reported to be carrying an injury, which he has denied, and there was little evidence that he was struggling.

The American staggered after being rocked by a right hand at the end of the first round, but had also shown some silky skills and was refusing to be bullied by his bigger opponent.

Benn was missing with shots but by the third round he began landing the jab more regularly with little coming back from Prograis, although the 37-year-old veteran was much busier in the fourth.

A cut appeared over Benn’s right eye following a clash of heads and while the Briton was better in the fifth, Prograis repeatedly shook his head to say he could handle the power shots coming his way.

Benn’s left eye became cut and Prograis was clearly hurt by a hook to the body early in the seventh, setting the tone for the seventh when his body came under continuous attack.

The rounds were hard but Benn was in full command and there were no signs of him tiring as he continued his full-on assault in the ninth with the 10th producing more of the same in an emphatic win.