Regis Prograis Retires After Gritty Farewell Against Conor Benn: 'Perfect End to My Story'

LONDON — Regis Prograis walked away from boxing the only way he knew how by stepping into the fire. Following a hard-fought 10-round loss to Conor Benn, the former two-time world champion officially announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on a respected and battle-tested career after 34 professional fights. But the result was never the full story.

In an emotional post-fight interview, Prograis revealed what few knew heading into the bout: He had already decided this would be his final fight and nearly didn’t make it to the ring. “Going in, I knew I was going to retire… I was terrified,” Prograis admitted.

The 37-year-old disclosed he suffered multiple injuries during training camp, including issues with his right hand, eye, jaw, and ribs. At several points even the day before the fight he considered withdrawing. But he didn’t.

Instead, Prograis leaned on a message from his mother that stuck with him: he would regret walking away from a moment this big.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Prograis went the distance against a younger, stronger opponent in Benn in front of a massive crowd of 70,000 fans in London.

For him, that was all that mattered. “Couldn’t ask for a better going away party… perfect end to my story.” The fight itself symbolized everything Prograis built his career on toughness, heart, and a willingness to take on anyone, anywhere.