In a dramatic turn of events, Conor Benn triumphed over Regis Prograis by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the fight 98-92 in his favor. This victory, which took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marks a pivotal moment in Benn’s career as it was his first bout under the Zuffa Boxing banner.
Benn’s record now stands at 24 wins from 25 bouts, a significant achievement for the fighter who previously had a decade-long relationship with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom. Despite their split, Benn expressed respect for Hearn, stating, “I love Eddie. I love Eddie,” although he refused to engage in a phone call with Hearn after leaving Matchroom.
Hearn was present at ringside during the fight, but his demeanor raised eyebrows as he was seen yawning next to Chris Eubank Jr. This reaction has sparked discussions about the tension between Hearn and Benn following the latter’s departure. Hearn later acknowledged that he was blindsided by Zuffa’s approach to Benn, learning about it through a lawyer’s letter.
During the fight, Benn sustained a cut above his right eye, but it did not hinder his performance against Prograis, a former two-time super lightweight champion. The bout was part of the undercard for the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov fight, adding to the event’s significance.
Hearn’s disappointment was palpable, especially as he had previously supported Benn through challenging times, including two failed drug tests in 2022. The manner of Benn’s exit from Matchroom clearly stung Hearn, who had expected loyalty in return.
As Benn continues to forge his path with Zuffa Boxing, the implications of his victory and the evolving dynamics with Hearn remain to be seen. The boxing community is left to speculate on the future of both fighters and promoters involved.
