Regis Prograis
Born (1989-01-24) January 24, 1989
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Other namesRougarou
Statistics
Weight(s)Light welterweight
Height5 ft 8 in (173 cm)
Reach67 in (170 cm)
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights31
Wins29
Wins by KO24
Losses2

Regis Prograis (/ˈriːdʒɪs ˈproʊɡreɪ/; born January 24, 1989) is an American professional boxer. He held the World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight title from 2022 to 2023, and previously the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight title in 2019. As of November 2023, he is ranked as the world's second best active super lightweight by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board,[1] and third by BoxRec[1] and The Ring magazine.[2]

Prograis chose his nickname, "Rougarou", Louisiana French for 'werewolf', to pay homage to his grandfather, who is of Native American descent.[3]

Amateur career

Prograis is of Louisiana Creole descent[4] and originally from New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina forced him to relocate in 2005 to Houston, Texas, where he began training at Savannah Boxing Club alongside Evander Holyfield which was a key factor in motivating him to take boxing seriously. He went on to build an 87-7 amateur record. As an amateur, Prograis was ranked #4 in the United States, the 2009 Ringside World Champion, 2010 HORN National Champion, won regional Golden Gloves and competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials before turning professional in 2012.[5]

Professional career

Early career

Since turning professional, Prograis has fought at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on the undercard of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter fight, which was the first primetime boxing event televised on CBS in over 40 years. In 2015, he was recognized by ESPN as a Prospect of the Year candidate.[6] USA Today and Yahoo Sports has recognized Prograis as a legitimate world title contender. Regis is represented by the boxing promoter Lou DiBella.[7]

World Boxing Super Series

Prograis vs. Flanagan

On July 13, 2018, it was announced that Prograis would be one of eight boxers taking part in the light welterweight World Boxing Super Series.[8] As the top seeded fighter, he was able to choose the former WBO lightweight champion Terry Flanagan as his first opponent. The opening bout of the tournament took place at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 27, 2018.[9] Prograis won the fight by unanimous decision, with scores of 117–110, 118–109 and 119–108. He dropped Flannagan with a hook in the eighth round, in what was the sole knockdown of the fight.[10]

WBA light welterweight champion

Prograis vs. Relikh

Prograis faced the WBA super lightweight champion Kiryl Relikh in the tournament semifinals, which took place at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana on April 27, 2019. Relikh had earned his place in the penultimate bout of the tournament with a unanimous decision victory over Eduard Troyanovsky in the quarterfinals.[11] Despite being the champion, Relikh entered as a sizable +700 underdog, while most odds-makers had Prograis as a -1000 favorite.[12] He justified his role as the favorite and won the fight by a sixth-round knockout. Prograis had won every single round of the contest up to that point, with all three judges having him up 50–44 at the time of the stoppage.[13]

Prograis vs. Taylor

In the final, which took place on October 26, 2019, at The O2 Arena in London, England, Prograis faced the IBF and The Ring super lightweight champion Josh Taylor.[14] Predictions before the fight were split, since both fighters had an undefeated professional record and were world champions in their prime. Prograis entered the fight as a slight favorite, with most betting lines having him between -152 and -189, while Taylor was listed as a between +130 to a +140 underdog.[15] Taylor won the fight by majority decision. Two judges ultimately scored it 117–112 and 115–113 in favor of the Scottsman, while the sole remaining judge had it scored as a 114-114 draw.[16]

WBC light welterweight champion

Prograis faced the unbeaten Juan Heraldez on October 31, 2020, on the undercard of the Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz Showtime pay-per-view. He won the fight by a third-round technical knockout. Prograis dropped his opponent with a straight left early in the final round of the bout and finished him with a flurry of punches at the 1:23 minute mark.[17] Prograis faced Ivan Redkach on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren on April 17, 2021. The fight was stopped in the sixth round, due to an accidental low blow that rendered Redkach unable to continue competing. Prograis won by technical decision, with two scorecards of 60–54 and one scorecard of 59–54. The results was immediately overturned however, as Georgia regulations state that a boxer who is unable to continue after being hit with an unintentional low blow shall be declared the loser by a technical knockout.[18] His third and final non-title bout, before making his second attempt at a world title, took place on March 19, 2022, against Tyrone McKenna. Prograis won the fight by a sixth-round technical knockout.[19]

Prograis vs. Zepeda

On July 22, 2022, the WBC light welterweight mandatory title challenger Jose Ramirez was ordered to face the sanctioning body's second ranked contender Jose Zepeda for the vacant championship.[20] Ramirez withdrew from the negotiations on August 1, because of a conflict with his wedding in October, and was replaced by Prograis.[21] As they failed to reach an agreement within the 30-day negotiation period, a purse bid was called, which was won by the recently formed promotional company MarvNation with a bid of $2,4 million.[22] The vacant title bout took place at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California and was broadcast as a pay-per-view.[23] Prograis won the fight by an eleventh-round knockout. He was up 98–92, 98–92 and 97–93 at the time of the stoppage. The newly crowned champion had out-landed Zepeda 156 to 66 in total punches and 75 to 31 in power punches.[24] Both fighters earned a guaranteed $1,080,000, with Prograis earning an additional $240,000 bonus.[25]

Prograis vs. Zorrilla

Prograis was expected to make his first WBC light welterweight title defense against Liam Paro in the main event of a DAZN broadcast card, which will take place on June 17, 2023, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.[26] Paro withdrew from the fight due to an injury on May 18.[27] He was replaced by the once-defeated Danielito Zorrilla.[28] Prograis retained the title by split decision. Judges Ray Corona and Robert Tapper scored the bout 117–110 and 118–109 in his favor respectively, while judge Craig Metcalfe scored it 114–113 for Zorilla. He was able to knock the challenger down with a left a minute into the third round, although he was unable to finish him.[29]

Prograis vs. Haney

On July 28, 2023, ESPN reported that Prograis would make his second WBC title defense against the current undisputed lightweight world champion Devin Haney.[30] The WBC granted them permission to pursue the fight on August 1, 2023, although the sanctioning body’s Board of Governors was split in their vote.[31] On September 26, 2023, the fight was officially announced for December 10, 2023, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.[32] Prograis lost the fight against Haney unanimously, therefore relinquishing the WBC Super Lightweight Title.[33]

Professional boxing record

31 fights 29 wins 2 losses
By knockout 24 0
By decision 5 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
31 Loss 29–2 Devin Haney UD 12 Dec 9, 2023 Chase Center, San Francisco, California, U.S. Lost WBC light welterweight title
30 Win 29–1 Danielito Zorrilla SD 12 Jun 17, 2023 Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Retained WBC light welterweight title
29 Win 28–1 Jose Zepeda KO 11 (12), 0:59 Nov 26, 2022 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC light welterweight title
28 Win 27–1 Tyrone McKenna TKO 6 (10), 1:40 Mar 19, 2022 Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
27 Win 26–1 Ivan Redkach TKO 6 (10), 1:21 Apr 17, 2021 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Originally unanimous TD, later ruled TKO after an incorrect referee call
26 Win 25–1 Juan Heraldez TKO 3 (10), 1:23 Oct 31, 2020 Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
25 Loss 24–1 Josh Taylor MD 12 Oct 26, 2019 The O2 Arena, London, England Lost WBA light welterweight title;
For IBF and vacant The Ring light welterweight titles;
World Boxing Super Series: light welterweight final
24 Win 24–0 Kiryl Relikh TKO 6 (12), 1:36 Apr 27, 2019 Cajundome, Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S. Won WBA light welterweight title;
World Boxing Super Series: light welterweight semi-final
23 Win 23–0 Terry Flanagan UD 12 Oct 27, 2018 Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. World Boxing Super Series: light welterweight quarter-final
22 Win 22–0 Juan Jose Velasco TKO 8 (12), 1:59 Jul 14, 2018 Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Julius Indongo TKO 2 (12), 2:54 Mar 9, 2018 Mountain Grand, Deadwood, South Dakota, U.S. Won vacant WBC interim light welterweight title
20 Win 20–0 Joel Díaz Jr. TKO 2 (10), 2:55 Jun 9, 2017 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S. Retained NABF light welterweight title
19 Win 19–0 Wilfredo Buelcas KO 1 (10), 2:07 Feb 11, 2017 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. Retained NABF light welterweight title
18 Win 18–0 Luis Eduardo Florez TKO 4 (10), 1:47 Jun 25, 2016 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant NABF light welterweight title
17 Win 17–0 Aaron Herrera KO 1 (10), 2:17 Mar 25, 2016 Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Oklahoma, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Abel Ramos RTD 8 (10), 3:00 Dec 11, 2015 Bayou City Event Center, Houston, Texas, U.S. Won vacant NABF Junior light welterweight title
15 Win 15–0 Amos Cowart UD 8 Aug 7, 2015 Bally's, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Abraham Alvarez TKO 1 (6), 1:28 Apr 17, 2015 Mohegan Sun Arena, Montville, Connecticut, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Héctor Velázquez TKO 5 (8), 2:59 Jan 9, 2015 Morongo Casino, Cabazon, California, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Jeff Humphries KO 1 (6), 1:43 Nov 6, 2014 Evangeline Downs, Opelousas, Louisiana, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Mario Hermosillo TKO 4 (6), 1:24 Oct 8, 2014 Beau Rivage, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Marteze Logan TKO 2 (4), 0:31 Jun 27, 2014 Athletic Fencing Center, Houston, Texas, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Aaron Anderson TKO 5 (6) Jun 7, 2014 Jackson County Civic Centre, Pascagoula, Mississippi, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Felipe Reyes TKO 6 (6), 2:45 Apr 24, 2014 Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Miguel Alvarez TKO 3 (4), 2:59 Nov 30, 2013 Belle of Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 James Harrison UD 6 Oct 3, 2013 Heritage Festival, Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Adauto Gonzalez UD 4 Jun 6, 2013 Landmark Hotel, Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 David Green TKO 2 (4), 2:59 Jan 10, 2013 Bayou Event Center, Houston, Texas, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Anthony Little TKO 2 (4), 2:19 Nov 30, 2012 Conference Centre, Hurst, Texas, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Aaron Anderson KO 4 (4) 2:20 Aug 25, 2012 Charles T. Doyle Convention Center, Texas City, Texas, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Carl Almirol KO 1 (4), 2:01 Apr 28, 2012 The Royal Palace, Houston, Texas, U.S.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Rankings". boxrec.com. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  2. ↑ "RING RATINGS". ringtv.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  3. ↑ Ramon Antonio Vargas (February 22, 2018). "Eyeing world title shot, boxer Regis Prograis releases emotional video touting his ties to New Orleans". The Advocate.
  4. ↑ "Going Back to My Roots: The Odyssey of Regis "Rougarou" Prograis"". 10 July 2018. Archived from the original on 22 June 2019.
  5. ↑ "Regis Prograis". wbaboxing.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  6. ↑ Dan Rafael (December 30, 2015). "Prospect of the year: Errol Spence Jr". ESPN.
  7. ↑ Kevin Iole (July 7, 2017). "Unbeaten knockout artist Regis Prograis recognizes a boxer has more than one job to do". Yahoo! Sports.
  8. ↑ McGuigan, Barry (13 July 2018). "Regis Prograis is one of boxing's most exciting fighters - but Josh Taylor is ready for explosive American". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  9. ↑ Esco, Wil (12 October 2018). "Regis Prograis explains why he chose to fight Terry Flanagan in the WBSS opening round". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  10. ↑ "Regis Prograis claims first major title in dominating fashion against Relikh". The Ring. 2019-04-27. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  11. ↑ Random Hits (20 April 2019). "Relikh: No Doubt in My Mind That I'll Beat Regis Prograis". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  12. ↑ Palmer, Ian (26 April 2019). "Kiryl Relikh Vs Regis Prograis Betting Odds And Prediction". Sports Bet Listings | Your Ultimate Sports Betting Resource. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  13. ↑ Donovan, Jake (27 April 2019). "Regis Prograis Drops, Beats Down Kiryl Relikh For TKO in Six". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  14. ↑ Gilbert, Peter (9 September 2019). "WBSS final Prograis-Taylor: Josh Taylor vows to prove he is best in world vs Regis Prograis". skysports.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  15. ↑ Christ, Scott (24 October 2019). "Prograis vs Taylor preview: What's at stake, how they got here, and how the fighters match up". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  16. ↑ "Regis Prograis vs Josh Taylor report: New unified and WBSS champion crowned in London". SecondsOut Boxing News. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
  17. ↑ Christ, Scott (31 October 2020). "Davis vs Santa Cruz results and highlights: Regis Prograis batters Juan Heraldez for third round stoppage". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  18. ↑ Raimondi, Marc (19 April 2021). "Regis Prograis' decision win over Ivan Redkach changed to TKO after ruling". espn.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  19. ↑ Donovan, Jake (19 March 2022). "Regis Prograis Stops Tyrone McKenna In Sixth Round". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  20. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (1 July 2022). "Josh Taylor vacates WBC title, Jose Ramirez vs Jose Zepeda rematch ordered". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  21. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (1 August 2022). "Jose Ramirez withdraws from title fight vs. Jose Zepeda because of conflict with wedding; Regis Prograis in line to replace him". espn.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  22. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (30 August 2022). "MarvNation posts $2.4M bid to promote Regis Prograis-Jose Zepeda WBC junior welterweight title bout". espn.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  23. ↑ Random Hits (10 October 2022). "Regis Prograis, Jose Zepeda Plan For PPV War at Dignity Health Sports Park". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  24. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (27 November 2022). "Regis Prograis stops Jose Zepeda to win vacant WBC crown". espn.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  25. ↑ Idec, Keith (1 December 2022). "Regis Prograis Confirms That He Has Received His 7-Figure Purse In Full For Zepeda Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 28 February 2023.
  26. ↑ Boxingscene Staff (6 May 2023). "Regis Prograis vs. Liam Paro Finalized For June 17 in New Orleans". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  27. ↑ Stumberg, Patrick L. (18 May 2023). "Liam Paro injured, Regis Prograis vs Arnold Barboza Jr possible for June 17th". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  28. ↑ "Regis Prograis Risks His 140-Pound Belt Against Danielito Zorrilla On June 17". ringtv.com. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  29. ↑ Armen Graham, Bryan (18 June 2023). "Regis Prograis beats Danielito Zorrilla to retain WBC junior welterweight championship – as it happened". theguardian.com. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  30. ↑ Coppinger, Mike (28 July 2023). "Sources: Haney to make junior welterweight debut vs. Prograis". espn.com. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  31. ↑ Donovan, Jake (1 August 2023). "WBC Approves Haney To Challenge Prograis; Now Named 'Champion In Recess' at 135". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  32. ↑ Iskenderov, Parviz (27 September 2023). "Haney vs Prograis date official for Dec 9 in San Francisco". FIGHTMAG.
  33. ↑ Christ, Scott (10 December 2023). "Devin Haney dominates Regis Prograis to take WBC title: Full fight video highlights and results". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
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