The build-up to the Conor Benn vs. Regis Prograis fight has been plagued with rumours over whether it will indeed go ahead.
Benn and Prograis are scheduled to do battle in a 150lb catchweight bout as the co-main event to the Tyson Fury vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov card at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
It sees Benn begin his return to welterweight following his two epic clashes with bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr in 2025, while Prograis is competing at his highest ever weight after two spells as super-lightweight world champion.
In recent weeks, there were reports that Prograis was injured and may be forced to pull out of the contest, but the 37-year-old said there was no truth to the talk and is set to proceed.
After the final press conference, the American revealed to IFL TV that he believes others were trying to force him out of the fight, and that there is a replacement opponent ready to step in.
“I’m good to fight. When I came here, they tried to put somebody else in. I know what’s going on. They might have a replacement right now. People, as soon as I got here, they said: ‘You sure? You good? You okay? We got somebody already.’
“I know they already have a replacement for me already. People were trying to slide in somebody else. That’s what’s going on. They don’t want me to get that opportunity.”
It’s unknown who Prograis is referring to, but barring any last minute issues, he will indeed be the one stood opposite Benn come fight night on Saturday, with ‘The Destroyer’ looking to make a big statement ahead of his return to 147lbs.
