A pre-fight narrative heading into the Regis Prograis versus Conor Benn fight regarded mounting rumors that the Louisianan southpaw was carrying issues into the 150-pound catchweight bout.
Matchroom chairman, Eddie Hearn, who used to represent both Benn and Prograis, seemingly escalated the speculation when he commented that the visiting boxer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London was “badly injured.”
Indeed, even in the fight itself, Prograis — and in particular his legs, and movement — boxed as if he were far from 100 percent but, regardless, still had enough in the tank, at 37 years old, to survive the 10-round distance.
And speaking to Ring Magazine, after confirming his retirement from boxing, Prograis elaborated on the issues — detailing four injuries ahead of the fight.
“The rumors and stuff about me being hurt — that was true.”
— Regis Prograis, 2026
“But, when you scared of something,” Prograis added, “you go through it. I’m not going to lie, I wanted to pull out of this fight so bad.”
The injuries seemingly began to take their toll early March, as that is when Prograis said he first considered withdrawing from the Benn fight.
It is a stark contrast to how he addressed the injury rumors ahead of the event, saying that he was fine, and that he’d be proceeding with the bout, as planned. He even hinted that the speculation began because people, who were left unnamed, wanted to replace him with an alternative opponent. “I have no injury,” he notably said when speaking of a so-called plot to have this fight stopped.
“Even today I was thinking of pulling out [the day of the fight] but I’m so glad I that I went through with this fight.”
Detailing the issues, Prograis commented on problems with his hand, vision, jaw, and a rib injury. “I had a bunch of things.”
He finished by saying: “Nothing I was scared of happened in the ring. Nothing showed up. No injuries at all. I had to worry about nothing.”
Prograis retired shortly after the loss to Benn.
As for the Brit, he has a wealth of options, including fights against other Americans like Ryan Garcia or Shakur Stevenson.
