Regis Prograis Opens Up on Conor Benn's Controversial Career Move and Upcoming Fight
In an exclusive interview, American boxer Regis Prograis has shared his candid thoughts on Conor Benn's recent career decisions, including a reported $15 million payday and a surprising catchweight clash set for 11 April. The fight, which will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the undercard of Tyson Fury's bout with Arslanbek Makhmudov, has raised eyebrows across the boxing world.
The Financial Element and Loyalty Questions
Prograis addressed Benn's controversial decision to leave longtime promoter Eddie Hearn after a ten-year partnership, opting instead to sign with rival Dana White at Zuffa Boxing. This move came despite Hearn's support during Benn's two-year suspension following failed drug tests. The British welterweight's alleged $15 million payday for a single fight has become a major talking point, though Prograis confirmed he's not receiving anywhere near that amount himself.
"I tell every fighter, 'Make your money,'" Prograis insisted passionately. "When Conor is retired, Eddie is still gonna be promoting people, he's still gonna be making money. If you're the one literally putting your life on the line, why wouldn't you make as much money as you can?"
The Baffling Fight Arrangement
What makes the situation particularly puzzling is Zuffa's strategic decisions. Even if they paid less than the rumored $15 million, they've invested significantly in Benn only to place him against an unexpected opponent at a catchweight of 150 pounds. The fight will be streamed on Netflix rather than Zuffa's main broadcaster Paramount+, adding another layer of complexity to the arrangement.
Prograis, a former world champion at super-lightweight, will be stepping on the scale above 140 pounds for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, Benn will be coming down from 160 pounds, where he fought Chris Eubank Jr twice in 2025. "If you look at patterns, when somebody fights heavier and they go back down, they usually have more trouble," Prograis noted. "I'm going straight up. I'm gonna be comfortable."
Skill Versus Size Considerations
Despite the weight advantage potentially favoring Benn, Prograis remains confident in his abilities. "People are looking at the age, the weight, thinking it's going in his favour," he said. "I just can't see Conor Benn beating me at all. Skill-wise, I know I'm better than him."
The American fighter also pointed out that Benn hasn't scored a knockout since 2022, the same year he failed two anti-doping tests. While Benn has maintained his innocence, the shadow of those failed tests continues to linger over his career.
A Different Perspective on Fighter Compensation
Prograis offered a broader perspective on fighter compensation that extends beyond just Benn's situation. "To be honest, every fighter in the world is underpaid," he argued. "You're putting your life on the line for the sport and the fans. Eddie is not putting his life on the line, Eddie never had to put his life on the line."
Despite his defense of fighters seeking maximum compensation, Prograis emphasized that loyalty and business can coexist. "You can still be loyal to Eddie, you can still be cool with him," he suggested. "You can even go spend some of that money on Eddie."
Looking Ahead to the April Showdown
As the 11 April date approaches, Prograis remains focused on the task at hand. At 37 years old, he recognizes he doesn't have unlimited time in the sport, while Benn at 29 has more years ahead to build his career and earnings. The catchweight bout represents an unusual matchup that has divided boxing analysts, with many seeing Prograis as a genuine threat despite the weight and age factors.
Prograis concluded with his signature advice to fighters everywhere: "Make your money." His pragmatic approach to the business side of boxing, combined with his confidence in the ring, sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most intriguing fights of the spring season.
