Conor Benn announces return with showdown against Regis Prograis
Conor Benn has unveiled his first opponent since departing Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable to join Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing venture in a lucrative $15 million single-bout agreement. The 29-year-old British welterweight will square off against former two-time world champion Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 11 April, reports BritPanorama.
The contest will serve as co-main event beneath Tyson Fury’s heavyweight return against Arslanbek Makhmudov, with Netflix broadcasting the spectacle globally. Benn’s shift to the UFC chief’s boxing operation surprised many observers, who anticipated the Essex fighter would compete on American soil under his new promotional banner.
Instead, the British star will perform before his home supporters once more, following consecutive stadium appearances against Chris Eubank Jr last year. Benn expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming bout, declaring: “April 11 can’t come soon enough, returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again, where I made history against Eubank Jr means everything to me.”
The fighter, who holds a record of 24 wins and one defeat with 14 knockouts, emphasised his fearless approach to competing at the highest level. “My last fight there showed the world exactly who I am and what I’m about,” Benn continued. “Fighting on the biggest stages, in the biggest shows, I fear no one! I’m fully locked in and ready to deliver another statement performance.”
His previous outing at the north London venue saw him stop domestic rival Eubank Jr in their November rematch, having lost their initial encounter in April.
Prograis, the American who previously held the WBA super-lightweight crown, offered a pointed response to the announcement. “Last time I fought in London, Conor Benn was on my undercard, so this is a full-circle moment for me,” the 37-year-old stated. “But this circle will close with me teaching him a lesson on April 11th.” The Louisiana native dismissed comparisons to Benn’s recent middleweight opponents, adding: “He’s not fighting some weight-drained super middleweight. I am in shape and will bring home this victory.”
Prograis boasts considerable experience against British fighters, having previously faced Terry Flanagan, Josh Taylor, and Jack Catterall during his career. His most recent UK appearance ended in defeat to Catterall in 2024, though he returned to winning ways against Joseph Diaz.
Benn’s departure from Hearn, who guided him through the turbulent period surrounding a failed drugs test, came as a shock to the veteran promoter. The Matchroom chief reportedly learned of his fighter’s decision through nothing more than a text message, which he viewed as a disappointing lack of loyalty. Benn maintained that the financial terms presented by Zuffa Boxing proved impossible to decline, with the eight-figure sum representing a significant step up in his earning potential.
Despite the abrupt nature of his exit, the welterweight has indicated his desire to eventually restore his professional relationship with the Matchroom operation. For the immediate future, however, White will oversee Benn’s career as he continues to pursue major honours in the 147-pound division.
As the countdown to the bout begins, the anticipation builds. This clash not only marks a pivotal moment for Benn but also provides Prograis with an opportunity to reclaim his status in the boxing world, highlighting the ever-thrilling unpredictability of the sport.
