Heavyweight icon Mike Tyson has cast his verdict on the skills of Conor Benn.

Benn suffered a first professional defeat when he came up short against fierce rival Chris Eubank Jr in the middleweight division, but he was able to even the scores in their rematch, before announcing a return to welterweight – which he believes to be his natural division.

After ditching Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, ‘The Destroyer’ then made the decision to debut with his new promotional firm Zuffa Boxing in a 150lb catchweight affair against Regis Prograis, seen as a pit stop on his way back down to 147lbs.

However, despite Prograis entering the bout carrying injuries, Benn was unable to halt the New Orleans operator and instead settled for a victory on the scorecards, which drew criticism from some fans.

Speaking with Casino.org, boxing legend Tyson labelled Benn as ‘contending material’, when discussing his favourite fighters in the sport today.

“You got so many good fighters, name any division, David Benavidez. You got Tank [Gervonta Davis], you got Shakur Stevenson, you got Keyshawn Davis, he’s a great fighter. There’s so many great fighters on the up.

“Even this young guy trying to show something, Conor Benn. People say he’s a bum, but he’s contending material believe it or not. I know he talks a lot of smack, gets some people nervous, but he’s contending material. He’s not afraid to show his face.”

Benn is expected to challenge for Ryan Garcia’s WBC welterweight world title in his next fight, where he could silence his doubters with a win that would thrust him further into superstardom.