Regis Prograis nearly withdrew from Conor Benn fight with four injuries as he explains retirement decision

Regis Prograis has suggested he was close to withdrawing from his defeat to Conor Benn prior due to multiple injuries.

The American had come out and denied he had any pre-existing injuries in the build-up to the 150lbs catchweight clash with Benn.

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And he made it to the ring where he was outpointed by the Briton at the weekend despite a valiant effort to try and close the gap.

And Prograis stunningly suggested he had issues with his hand, vision, rib and jaw.

He explained to Ring Magazine: “The rumors and stuff about me being hurt — that was true.

“I had issues with my rib, jaw, my eye and my hand. It was really really tough.

“But, when you scared of something, you go through it. I’m not going to lie, I wanted to pull out of this fight so bad.

“Even on the night I was thinking of pulling out [the day of the fight] but I’m so glad I that I went through with this fight.

“Nothing I was scared of happened in the ring. Nothing showed up. No injuries at all. I had to worry about nothing.”

Prograis was clearly in a turbulent training camp but surprisingly was able to go the distance.

The American even looked to many to be struggling with his movement on the night, which was severely hampering his chances of winning the exchanges.

Benn vs Garcia and retirement for Prograis

For Benn it was a much more positive night despite not getting the highlight-reel finish he craved.

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He is now being eyed for a huge summer showdown with Ryan Garcia for the WBC world title at 147lbs.

It will be an uphill battle against the American superstar, who will provide a far sterner test than Prograis provided.

Now for ‘Rougarou’ he takes an opposite journey in his career.

Prograis has confirmed in the aftermath of the bout that he will be retiring from boxing.

He explained: “Going into this fight I knew I was going to retire, this is my last fight.

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“I knew this months ago this was going to be my last fight but I just didn’t tell anybody.

“It’s emotional for me because I knew this was going to be my last fight. This was a great fight for my last fight.

“Somebody like Conor Benn in an arena like this with 70,000 people in a stadium. I loved that.

“I couldn’t ask for a better going away party, it was perfect, literally perfect. This was a perfect ending to my story.”