Conor Benn vs Samuel Vargas: Preview, predictions, who wins?

Welterweight prospect Conor Benn returns Saturday on DAZN and Sky Sports, facing veteran battler Samuel Vargas in a 10-round main event.

Does Vargas (31-6-2, 14 KO) pull the upset this time, or will Benn (17-0, 11 KO) roll on to another win?

Scott Christ (18-6-1)

I like Vargas fine in this role, he’s tough and scrappy, he brings the fight. Tough dude. Warrior. And so on. But unless he catches Benn cold, I think this winds up another fight Vargas valiantly loses, either by a wide score or a late stoppage, and I think Benn will want the late stoppage. Benn’s physical gifts are such that once he has Vargas worn down and discouraged, he should be able to take a risk and just overwhelm the vet late. Benn has made serious improvements over the last couple of years, and Vargas doesn’t have the power to make a big difference no matter how hard he tries. (He dropped Amir Khan, but then so did Willie Limond. Was Willie Limond a banger now?) Benn TKO-9

Wil Esco (19-5-1)

Here’s the thing, I’ve never been high on Samuel Vargas and I think Conor Benn has developed a bit more than expected. That’s a quick and easy way of saying that I’m expecting Benn to come through in at least this outing. I still have serious reservations as to Benn’s ceiling, but he’s not going up against the elite yet and I think this is a level where he can compete. Vargas is most recently coming off a knockout loss to Vergil Ortiz last year and I don’t think that’s going to help his confidence any, even if he does think he can war with Benn. I’ll take Benn to win a clear decision. Benn UD-10

How to Watch Benn vs Vargas

Date: Saturday, April 10 | Start Time: 2:00 pm ET
Location: Copper Box - London, England
TV: Sky Sports (UK) | Streaming: DAZN
Online Coverage: BadLeftHook.com

Patrick L. Stumberg (17-7-1)

Benn really has come a long way since Cedrick Peynaud. He’s definitely still a work in progress, loading up on his punches and showing nowhere near enough defensive savvy to justify that low lead hand, but his ramrod jab and sharp counters seem borderline alien when compared to his earlier brawling. They figure to be quality weapons against Vargas’ linear bruising, and if Vargas does get the phone booth fight he wants, he’s on the wrong end of serious power and speed disparities.

Even acknowledging that he’s incomplete and a far cry from his legendary father, Benn has the tools to win either a boxing match or a firefight. Vargas took a lot of nasty shots from Vergil Ortiz before finally going down, so he’ll probably last the distance, but his lack of thump will be his undoing as Benn spears him with jabs and buries him in power shots. Benn UD-10

Lewis Watson (19-5-1)

I’m really growing to like Conor Benn. He’s sincere when he talks, shows real emotions inside and outside the ring and has that touch of vulnerability that makes him so damn watchable. Oh, and he’s a Brit that can speak a second language! Bravo!

Vargas is well and truly on the slide having picked up only two wins in his last six and recording one stoppage victory since 2015. This feels like the perfect piece of matchmaking for Benn who will tee off on Vargas but may have to go some to get him out of there. Benn was obviously frustrated by not stopping Formella back in November, and I sense a showreel KO is high on the list of priorities on Saturday. Benn to close the show in style after a dramatic onslaught. Benn TKO-10

And the staff winner is...

Photo by Paul Harding/PA Images via Getty Images

Conor Benn (4-0)!