Conor Benn marked a significant return to boxing by defeating Regis Prograis by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 98-92. This fight, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was a pivotal moment for Benn, who had not fought since his controversial drug test failure in 2022.
The bout took place at a catchweight of 150lbs, and Benn’s victory improved his professional record to 24 wins out of 25 bouts. Despite sustaining a cut above his right eye during the fight, Benn showcased resilience and skill, effectively controlling the match against the 37-year-old Prograis, who was rumored to be nursing an injury.
This fight also marked Benn’s first appearance since parting ways with promoter Eddie Hearn, who was present at ringside. Benn expressed his admiration for Hearn, stating, “I love Eddie. I love Eddie,” despite the tension surrounding their professional split.
Accompanied by his father, Nigel Benn, Conor entered the ring with a mix of anticipation and pressure, given the long hiatus from competitive boxing. His career had been halted for two-and-a-half years following the failed drug test, but he was cleared by an anti-doping panel and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The fight was part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov event, adding to its significance in the boxing calendar. Observers noted the unusual sight of Eddie Hearn yawning while Chris Eubank Jr. was reportedly on the phone during the match, highlighting the mixed emotions surrounding the event.
As Benn celebrates his return to the ring, the implications of his switch to Zuffa Boxing remain to be fully understood. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of Prograis’s injury leading into the fight, which could have influenced the outcome.