Conor Benn took a significant step towards reclaiming his place at the forefront of world boxing on Saturday night, securing a commanding unanimous decision victory over the seasoned Regis Prograis at a bustling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The judges’ scorecards read 98-92 across the board in favour of ‘The Destroyer’, who navigated a bloody cut and the veteran savvy of his opponent to emphatically announce his debut under the lucrative Zuffa Boxing banner.
A Pivotal Victory and an Uncertain Future
The victory marks a pivotal moment in Benn’s career, which was rebuilt after a failed drug test in 2022. Having moved back towards his natural welterweight frame from middleweight, Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) faced a stern test in Prograis, a former two-time world champion at super-lightweight who had never been stopped. The fight was a cagey affair at times, with Benn sustaining a cut that dripped blood down his face and Prograis landing sharp counters. Commentator David Haye noted Benn was “taking back control” in the later rounds, where the Briton targeted his opponent’s body with intent, “looking to steal the soul of Prograis”.
The win concludes a one-fight promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing, the new venture founded by UFC CEO Dana White and Turki Alalshikh, reported to be worth $15 million. It was a financial pivot away from his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. With this hurdle cleared, Benn’s immediate future becomes the central question. His aim is a world title in the welterweight division, with potential opponents like Ryan Garcia or Rolando Romero now appearing on the horizon. The respectful handshake shared with Prograis after the decision contrasted with the fierce ambition now driving Benn’s career forward.
Fury’s Grand Spectacle
Earlier, the stage had been set for the main event with a characteristically grandiose ring walk from Tyson Fury. The returning heavyweight, whose last UK fight was also at this stadium in 2022, entered to an elaborate AI-generated video sequence that showed him and opponent Arslanbek Makhmudov as giant figures striding through London towards the venue, underscored by pyrotechnics. The spectacle offered a poignant tribute, with Fury’s shorts bearing the message ‘R.I.P. RICKY’, honouring the beloved British fighter Ricky Hatton, who passed away in September 2025.
Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) was returning after announcing retirement following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk. His opponent, Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KOs), known as ‘The Lion’ for his fearsome power and a viral video of him wrestling a bear, made a more subdued entrance to a prison-style siren. The Russian, a former holder of multiple regional titles, had described Fury as a “legend” and a “professor of mind and boxing” in the build-up.
Lewis’s Assessment of a Champion
As the atmosphere crackled before the headline bout, former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis offered his analysis of Fury’s mindset. “I think he’s facing pressure. But we create our own pressure. He doesn’t look like he has pressure on him,” Lewis said. He added, “He knows what he needs to be the best. I think he’s feeling himself right now, and this could be a good fight for him.” Lewis has previously stated that only Fury can beat himself if he is not focused, and that his epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder cemented his era.
The event, promoted by The Ring and broadcast globally on Netflix as part of a landmark deal for the sport, featured a stacked undercard including Frazer Clarke vs. Justis Huni and Jeamie Tshikeva vs. Richard Riakporhe for the British heavyweight title. Behind the scenes, the blend of boxing and entertainment was further illustrated as Turki Alalshikh, a key figure in Zuffa Boxing, was seen attempting to present Arsenal fan and Fury promoter Frank Warren with a Manchester United shirt.
