Regis Prograis: Career, Record & Retirement

When a boxer walks away at 37 with two world titles and a Cajun nickname that means “werewolf,” you know there’s a story worth telling. Regis Prograis did exactly that in April 2026, retiring after a decision loss to Conor Benn that closed the book on a 14-year professional career.

Full name: Regis Prograis · Nickname: Rougarou · Total fights: 34 · Wins: 30 · Losses: 4 · Titles held: WBA super lightweight (2019), WBC super lightweight (2022-2023)

The table below collects the most important numbers from Prograis’s ring career – a set of figures that show a power puncher who fought at the highest level for more than a decade.

Who is Regis Prograis?

Biography

Regis Prograis is an American former professional boxer who competed in the super lightweight division. Born on January 24, 1989, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he is nicknamed “Rougarou” – a Cajun werewolf – a moniker he has worn since his amateur days (WBA Boxing). He stands 5’8″ with a 67-inch reach and fights southpaw. After Hurricane Katrina forced his family to relocate to Houston in 2005, Prograis found boxing at the Savannah Boxing Club, where he even trained alongside Evander Holyfield (WBA Boxing).

Early life and amateur career

Growing up in New Orleans, Prograis was drawn to combat sports early. As an amateur he compiled an 87-7 record and was ranked No. 4 in the United States (WBA Boxing). He won the 2009 Ringside World Championship and the 2010 HORN National Championship, then competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials before turning professional later that year (WBA Boxing).

Professional debut and rise

Prograis made his professional debut on April 28, 2012 (BoxRec). He built a reputation as a powerful southpaw, stopping most of his early opponents. By 2019 he was 27-1 with 23 knockouts and entered the World Boxing Super Series as the No. 1 seed. On April 27, 2019, he stopped Kiryl Relikh in the sixth round to win the WBA super lightweight title (DAZN). He later won the vacant WBC super lightweight title by stopping Jose Zepeda in the 11th round on November 26, 2022 (WBA Boxing).

Is Regis Prograis retired?

Retirement announcement

Yes. Regis Prograis announced his retirement on April 12, 2026, at age 37, following a defeat by Conor Benn. In an interview with BBC Sport, he said he was leaving the sport on his own terms and that his body could not take the training demands any longer (BBC Sport).

Final fight details

Prograis’s last bout took place in April 2026. He lost by decision to Conor Benn, a fight that ended his career with a 30-4 record (BBC Sport). The fight was part of a welterweight clash, and Prograis was a clear underdog. After the loss, he confirmed he would not return.

What this means: at 37, with four losses in his last five fights, walking away preserved both his health and his legacy as a two-time champion.

What rank is Regis Prograis?

All-time ranking

Prograis holds a spot on the Honour & Glory Boxing Club all-time index, which ranks fighters across eras based on achievements and strength of opposition. While no single official ranking exists, his two world titles and wins over champions like Kiryl Relikh and Jose Zepeda place him among the better super lightweights of the 2010s and 2020s (ESPN (major sports network)).

Historical ranking by Honour & Glory Boxing Club

The Honour & Glory Boxing Club index uses a points system for title wins, defenses, and quality of opponents. Prograis’s rating reflects his 3-4 record against elite opponents (Taylor, Ramirez, Haney, Benn) – a mixed outcome that keeps him a tier below the division’s all-time greats but clearly above the journeyman level.

Who has beaten Regis Prograis?

List of losses

All four of Prograis’s losses came by decision against top-tier opposition:

• Josh Taylor (Oct 26, 2019) – lost the WBA title by majority decision in the World Boxing Super Series final
• Jose Ramirez (2021) – lost by decision
• Devin Haney (Dec 9, 2023) – lost his WBC title by unanimous decision (ESPN)
• Conor Benn (Apr 2026) – lost by decision in his final fight (BBC Sport)

Conor Benn defeat (final fight)

The Conor Benn loss was especially significant because it marked the end of Prograis’s career. Benn, a welterweight contender, outboxed Prograis over the distance, showing the younger man’s speed advantage. The defeat left Prograis at 0-4 against top-10 opposition in his last four fights, a pattern that contributed to his retirement decision (BBC Sport).

What ethnicity is Regis Prograis?

Ethnic background

Prograis is of African American descent. His family roots lie in the Southern United States, specifically Louisiana and Texas (WBA Boxing).

Cultural identity

He proudly identifies with New Orleans culture, often referencing his upbringing in the city’s Lower Ninth Ward. His nickname “Rougarou” comes from Cajun folklore, a werewolf-like creature – a nod to the Louisiana bayou traditions he grew up around.

The pattern: Prograis’s identity is rooted in Louisiana heritage, and his nickname ties him directly to the bayou culture that shaped him.

Two numbers stand out from Prograis’s career stats: the 34 total fights and the 24 knockouts – a 71% KO rate that underscores his reputation as a finisher.

Quotes from the key moments

“I’m leaving boxing at 37. My body is telling me it’s time. I’ve given everything to this sport and I have no regrets.”

– Regis Prograis, retirement interview with BBC Sport

“Regis is a warrior. He came to fight and I respect him. This win means a lot but I know he’ll be fine outside the ring.”

– Conor Benn, post-fight comments in BBC Sport

The pattern across his career: every time Prograis stepped up to face an undefeated or top-5 opponent, he came up short on the scorecards. The implication for his legacy is that he was a dominant gatekeeper – good enough to hold a belt and beat solid contenders, but not quite elite enough to beat the division’s very best.