Benn Gets Past Aging Prograis, But Fails To Get Statement Victory

Conor Benn (25-1-0, 14 KOs) defeated the 37-year-old 2-time former world champ Regis Prograis (30-4-0, 24 KOs), however, he failed to get the statement victory he was looking for as he couldn’t secure a knockout and had to settle for a unanimous decision in his Zuffa Boxing debut.

Although Benn swept the scorecards, securing 98-92 on all three cards, he had to overcome some adversity. Benn hurt Prograis with a right hand just before the bell in round one as he started fast. By the fourth round, however, the fight turned into a tactical bout. Prograis began to find his timing, landing southpaw lefts that opened a nasty cut above Benn’s right eye.

By round six, blood was streaming into both of Benn’s eyes. However, Benn’s engine never stalled. He used his jab to blind Prograis, setting up flurries to the body that sapped the 37-year-old’s energy. Benn spent the final three rounds of their 10-rounder on the inside, unloading shots to the body, as he won the decision. Benn then set his sights on a Ryan Garcia fight, as he is the WBC mandatory, while Prograis announced his retirement.