Conor Benn’s former promoter Eddie Hearn has spoken out about his recently announced fight with Regis Prograis.
Last week, Benn made headlines when he announced his departure from Hearn’s Matchroom in favor of signing a one-fight, mega-money deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.
He was considered a lifelong Matchroom player due to his close relationship with Hearn, who fiercely defended the 29-year-old after two failed doping tests ruined his reputation.
Coupled with the fact that Hearn openly recognized White as a stern rival in the sport, some believe the way Benn handled the move was unfair. Having said that, others acknowledge that reported a portfolio of $15 million because this one fight was reason enough.
Following some speculation, it was announced today that Benn will co-main the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov event, which will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11 and will be broadcast live on Netflix.
On the opposite side will be two-time super lightweight world champion Prograis, who scored a points victory over Jojo Diaz last August. The 37-year-old former two-time world champion from Novel Orleans has lost to Josh Taylor, Devin Haney and Jack Catterall and currently weighs 140 pounds.
I’m talking to Boxing King’s MediaHearn asked what weight the fight would be at, considering Benn has fought Chris Eubank Jr. twice. at 160, and said he would now drop back down to 147. He said 150 pounds – the agreed catchweight – suited his former protégé.
“150? It’s good that Conor will try to fall [from 160]”
The British promoter – who says he is content that Benn received “life-changing” money to fight at this level – sees nothing but a victory for Benn.
“I like Regis. You saw in the Jojo Diaz fight that he’s not the fighter he used to be. He’s still a decent fighter, but Conor should be too fresh.
“It was never a fight we were looking at because I wanted to give him a world title shot. But as a water fight, if you will… It will be weird seeing him on the undercard, but I don’t think it will bother him that much when he gets paid.”
Finally, when discussing the amount, Hearn highlighted what is perhaps a growing issue for Zuffa Boxing and TKO – namely how UFC fighters feel about inflated amounts compared to their own financial reward.
“Let’s see what the UFC fighters have to say… It’s intriguing. It’s a problem for them.”
Benn is currently the number one contender in the WBC welterweight division and has made it clear that his goal will be to fight new champion Ryan Garcia later this year. Time will tell if this will happen and under what promotional banner.