Regis Prograis insists Conor Benn’s decision to set the terms of their fight will come back to haunt him when they meet this weekend. The former super-lightweight world champion moves up to a 150lb catchweight with no rehydration limit to face Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Benn has enjoyed recent success and will make his third straight appearance.
Prograis, who spent his career at 140lbs, called the jump significant but said he welcomed the challenge. He claimed the bout was arranged largely on Benn’s terms and that he even asked for a next-day weight check before being told it would not happen. “I don’t care, get the fight, don’t worry about the weight,” Prograis said, adding that he is confident in his ability and unbothered by the lack of stipulations.
Asked about preparation and the short notice, Prograis pointed out he was already training and ready to move up. He said there is no rematch clause in the contract, though he left the door open if fans demanded a return: “We don’t have a rematch clause. But you never know, if the people want to see it… why not?” Prograis also noted he had planned to campaign at 147lbs and only accepted the 150lb fight after being contacted with six weeks to go.
On Benn’s standing, Prograis was dismissive. He described Benn as an “okay” boxer but not in the same class, citing his own résumé — twice ranked No. 1 in the world and a two-time champion — as evidence of a higher level. He stressed the matchup will be different from Benn’s wins over Chris Eubank Jr, emphasizing contrasting styles and competition levels. A victory over Benn, Prograis said, would open major opportunities and could be the springboard toward becoming a three-time world champion.