Regis Prograis Retires After 2026 Loss to Conor Benn
Regis “Rougarou” Prograis has retired after a distinguished run at super lightweight. His career résumé includes WBA and WBC world title reigns, a deep run in the World Boxing Super Series, and major bouts against Josh Taylor, Devin Haney, and Jack Catterall. The Hall of Fame question is now about how those achievements will be weighed, not whether he is still an active contender.
Two championship reigns at 140 pounds
Prograis won the WBA super lightweight title in 2019 by stopping Kiryl Relikh during the World Boxing Super Series. He reached the tournament final later that year and lost a close majority decision to Josh Taylor. In 2022, Prograis returned to the championship level by knocking out José Zepeda in the 11th round to win the vacant WBC belt. He defended it against Danielito Zorrilla in 2023 before losing the title to Devin Haney by decision later that year.
The final stretch
Prograis lost a unanimous decision to Jack Catterall in October 2024. He later returned for a 150-pound bout with Conor Benn on April 11, 2026, and lost another unanimous decision. Prograis then confirmed his retirement. His final professional record was 30 wins and four losses, with 24 wins by knockout.
A case for future consideration
Winning two recognized world titles and reaching the World Boxing Super Series final give Prograis a meaningful résumé. His losses to Taylor, Haney, Catterall, and Benn also came against highly regarded opposition, though they leave a mixed record in his biggest tests. The International Boxing Hall of Fame requires modern-category boxers to have been retired for at least three years before the end of the voting year. Prograis will not be eligible immediately, and no outcome can be predicted before he appears on a ballot.
His championship success makes him a legitimate subject for future Hall of Fame discussion. Voters will ultimately decide how his title reigns, tournament run, longevity, and major-fight results compare with those of other candidates from his era.
Sources
- WBC: Prograis’s WBA reign and 2022 title fight with José Zepeda
- WBC: Prograis’s 2023 title defense against Danielito Zorrilla
- ESPN fight history, including the Haney and Catterall bouts
- Official result for Prograis vs. Conor Benn
- The Ring: Prograis confirms his retirement
- International Boxing Hall of Fame modern-category retirement rule
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
