Fans React To Benn Vs. Prograis – ‘$15 Million For This’

February 27, 2026
1 week
Fans React To Benn Vs. Prograis - '$15 Million For This'
X: @boxingscene https://x.com/boxingscene/status/2027076155807830186

Conor Benn’s first appearance under the Zuffa Boxing banner will be against former two-time world champion Regis Prograis on April 11 at a catchweight of 150-lbs, but is it the right move? 

The bout will serve as the co-main event for the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov card at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Netflix. Benn’s departure from Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing was finalized last week, leading to a reported $15 million one-fight deal. TKO President Mark Shapiro confirmed that the massive purse is being fully provided by Sela, the Saudi Arabian investment entity led by Turki Alalshikh, rather than out of TKO’s internal budget.

“The reported purse which was around $15 million, I’m not confirming or denying, that Conor will be paid for this super fight in 2026 is not TKO going out of pocket. Sela, led by our great partner Turki Alalshikh, is covering the purse. Once again, no different than exactly what we did with the Canelo vs. Crawford fight,” Shapiro stated 

For the first time since his 2022 stoppage of Chris van Heerden, Benn is dropping back down near his natural welterweight limit. In 2025, Benn engaged in a rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr., losing in April before avenging that loss with a one-sided unanimous decision in their November rematch at 160 lbs. Naturally, there are questions over how Benn’s body will respond to the weight cut.

Reaction

For Prograis, the former WBA and WBC super-lightweight champion is moving up to the weight of 150 for the first time in his professional career. Prograis successfully ended a two-fight losing streak last August with a win over Joseph Diaz. The event marks the official entry of Zuffa Boxing into the UK market.

“April 11th can’t come soon enough, returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium again, where I made history against Eubank Jr means everything to me. My last fight there showed the world exactly who I am and what I’m about. Fighting on the biggest stages, in the biggest shows, I fear no one! I’m fully locked in and ready to deliver another statement performance,” Benn said 

“Last time I fought in London, Conor Benn was on my undercard, so this is a full-circle moment for me. But this circle will close with me teaching him a lesson on April 11th. He’s not fighting some weight-drained super middleweight. I am in shape and will bring home this victory,” Prograis stated

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