By Vince D’Writer: After battling Josh Taylor for twelve highly competitive rounds in a unification bout at The O2 Arena back in October 2019, Regis Prograis stood in the center of the ring and observed the referee raising Taylor’s hand as Taylor was awarded the majority decision victory by the scores of (114-114), (115-113), and the surprising score of (117-112).
Fight fans who witnessed the elite Taylor vs. Prograis matchup assumed they would receive the chance to see a second clash between the two, but for some reason, the rematch never materialized. For the next three years, Regis Prograis would find himself calling other boxers out, trying to campaign for big fights and a title opportunity.
A year after losing his WBA strap, Prograis made his return to the ring and scored a 3rd round TKO victory over Juan Heraldez. Six months later, Prograis collected another victory by way of sixth round TKO as he thoroughly dominated Ivan Redkach.
Prograis posted the 26th victory of his professional career, and immediately after the win against Redkach, he called out Adrien Broner. The potential bout sparked intrigue, but once again, a big fight involving the name Regis Prograis didn’t get made.
In addition to Adrien Broner, Prograis called out other known fighters, such as Mikey Garcia and Gervonta Davis. Unfortunately, none of the fights were made, and on top of that, Prograis could not land that elusive rematch with Josh Taylor.
Regis Prograis wanted the big fights, but most importantly, he wanted the opportunity to become a two-time champion, and he would receive a glimmer of hope when the undisputed junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor decided to vacate multiple world title belts.
The initial hope quickly turned into frustration after Prograis found out he wasn’t scheduled to fight for any of the vacant world titles. He finally caught a break in July 2022 when Jose Ramirez withdrew from the match for the WBC strap.
Regis Prograis filled the void, and back in November 2022, he defeated Jose Zepeda to win the vacant WBC junior welterweight title. Since becoming a two-time champion, Prograis has experienced a change in dynamic. Before he won the WBC strap, other boxers had a tendency to avoid him, but now multiple fighters have stepped toward him and called out the new WBC title holder.
Prior to his February 25th bout being canceled, Adrien Broner verbally stated that he wanted to win his fight on February 25th and then make an attempt to get a shot at Regis Prograis and his WBC belt. Another boxer who has displayed intense pursuit of Prograis is the newly crowned IBF champion.
Following his victory over Jeremias Ponce, Subriel Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) quickly turned his attention to Regis Prograis. The new IBF champion conducted multiple interviews, and the content of his interviews makes him sound adamant in regards to fighting Regis Prograis in the immediate future.
“I have a message, and I want you to spread it far and wide. Prograis, I’m coming for you. I’m the world champ now. I promise you I’m going to send you to the hospital, so get ready.”
The 34-year-old Regis Prograis is aware of the Matias interviews, and he’s read the social media posts from some of the supporters of Matias. Prograis recently responded to the taunting from the Matias supporters by posting: “When I knock his ass out, y’all keep that same energy.”
In addition to Adrien Broner and Subriel Matias, up-and-coming 140-pound contender Richardson Hitchins (16-0, 7 KOs) has thrown verbal jabs at the WBC junior welterweight champion. The 25-year-old recently inked a deal with promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. Hitchins respects some of Prograis’ attributes, but overall, Hitchins doesn’t seem to be thoroughly impressed.
During an interview with FightHype, Hitchins stated: “I don’t think he’s physically special. He’s special as far as punching power. Mentally he’s a gritty fighter. Talent-wise and IQ-wise, I don’t think he’s special. He’s one of those guys who had to work to get it. He worked to get there. You gotta respect it at the end of the day.”
These days Regis Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) is receiving a great deal of attention from a list of potential opponents, and recently another 140-pound contender added his name to the growing list. Since Josh Taylor pulled out of their scheduled March 4th rematch due to injury, Jack Catterall (26-1, 13 KOs) is also targeting the WBC junior welterweight champion.
Shortly after becoming a two-time world champion Regis Prograis experienced a drastic transition. He went from being the person calling everyone out to the person receiving multiple call-outs.
The past few years, Prograis had to put in the work, and now he’s enjoying the fruits of his labor. Recently Prograis participated in the Mardi Gras festivities in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, and he also received the key to the city.
Regis “Rougarou” Prograis has been on the prowl for multiple years, but since winning the WBC strap, his role has changed. Instead of seeking out opponents, now Prograis can sit back, relish his role as the champ, and navigate through the potential offers.
