Two-Time Champion Regis Prograis Retires After Gritty Final Fight

The former junior welterweight world champion bowed out after a tough loss to Conor Benn in London.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:03am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a boxing match, with the figures and arena broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep blues, grays, and reds, capturing the raw energy and emotion of the event.Prograis' gritty final fight showcased his heart, even as his body betrayed him in the end.New Orleans Today

Regis Prograis, a two-time junior welterweight world champion, fought his final bout on Saturday night in London, losing a wide decision to Conor Benn. Prograis revealed he was dealing with multiple injuries going into the fight, including issues with his right hand, eye, rib, and jaw. Despite the physical challenges, the 'Rougarou' fighter gave a gritty performance before ultimately succumbing to the larger Benn.

Why it matters

Prograis' retirement marks the end of an era for the former champion, who came close to unifying the junior welterweight titles in 2019 before losing a close majority decision to Josh Taylor. His final fight, though a loss, showcased his heart and determination in the face of adversity.

The details

Prograis, who fought most of his career in the United States, had a 4-3 record in fights outside of his home country, with all three losses coming in the United Kingdom. In his final bout, he was facing a much larger opponent in Conor Benn, who appeared content to let Prograis cruise after suffering a cut in the fourth round.

  • Prograis' first international fight was his 2019 loss to Josh Taylor at the O2 Arena in London.
  • Prograis fought his final bout on Saturday, April 12, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

The players

Regis Prograis

A two-time junior welterweight world champion from New Orleans, Louisiana, who is retiring after a long and successful career.

Conor Benn

A rising British welterweight contender who defeated Prograis in the latter's final fight.

Josh Taylor

The Scottish boxer who defeated Prograis in a close majority decision in 2019 to unify the junior welterweight titles.

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What they’re saying

“The rumors about me being hurt were true. I was terrified. I didn't know if I was going to hold up.”

— Regis Prograis, Boxer

What’s next

It remains to be seen if Prograis will stay retired, as many boxers have a hard time walking away from the sport. His injuries, including to his right hand, eye, rib, and jaw, are typical for a fighter of his age, and it will be interesting to see if he attempts a comeback in the future.

The takeaway

Regis Prograis' retirement marks the end of an era for the former junior welterweight champion, who came close to unifying the titles in 2019 before falling short. His final fight showcased his heart and determination, even as he battled through multiple injuries, and serves as a fitting conclusion to his storied career.