Regis Prograis Weighs In on Haney-Benn Prospect After Facing Both

Regis Prograis finds himself in a unique position to analyze a potential welterweight showdown between Devin Haney and Conor Benn, having shared the ring with both men in vastly different circumstances over the last two years. The former two-time world champion, who announced his retirement following a recent catchweight loss to Benn at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, remains one of the few elite fighters with firsthand experience against both the American technician and the British power-puncher. Having been outboxed over twelve rounds by Haney in a 140lb title defense in 2023, and then feeling the physicality of Benn at a heavier 150lb limit, Prograis offered a measured but telling perspective on the matchup. He pointed specifically to the distinct size and agility gap he encountered. "I fought him and I fought Devin. For [Benn] to figure out Devin, it would be hard," Prograis told FightHype. "Devin is bigger; Devin is taller. He has fast feet; he's quick. So Devin [would] be hard to deal with." Prograis added that while Benn is a good fighter, he would need to refine his skills considerably to trouble a chess player of Haney's caliber. With Benn currently campaigning north of the welterweight limit and Haney holding WBO gold at 147, the fight remains a fascinating hypothetical. The question lingers not only on whether Benn can return to the weight comfortably, but whether his aggression can cut off the ring against a master of distance. Photo Credit: The Ring Magazine

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