Regis Prograis believes he is the best 140-pound athlete in the world.
And he can make a strong case by dominating and then stop Jose Zepeda in 11 rounds this past November to reclaim the world title after losing one in a melee to Josh Taylor in 2019.
Of course, he won’t build his momentum against the little-known and underappreciated Danielito Zorrilla of Puerto Rico, his opponent on Saturday in Prograis’ hometown of New Orleans (DAZN).
However, great opportunities are approaching. Belt holder Teofimo Lopez is an ideal opponent for Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) but there are some other exciting matches out there.
Danielito Zorrilla (right) is a significant loser to Regis Prograis. Ed Mulholland / Matchmaking Room.
That’s assuming he can get past Zorrilla (17-1, 13 KOs). Prograis said he respects all of his opponents: “People often have difficulties.”
“It’s not hard to concentrate because when you’re fighting someone that everyone thinks is inferior to you, it’s dangerous and difficult matches. [because] you don’t know what they have and you need to show up against them,” he said.
“… I didn’t look past him. You think there are big fights out there, but I know I won’t get to them unless I settle my business on Saturday. So until then, I don’t think about anyone else.”
Well, that’s not entirely true. How could he not think about the big battles that could lie ahead?
Lopez made a big statement by pointed out Josh Taylor was undefeated before for the title on June 10. And the other major title holders, Subriel Matias and Rolando Romero, are respected.
“Yes, Teo did everything against Josh,” he said. “… I still feel like I’m the best at 140 pounds, but Teo deserves credit, and I dedicate that to him. So I have to go out and look great and prove I’m the best, then we can fight so there’s no doubt.
“You can’t control what people think. Some might say I’m the best, some will now say Teo, Subriel Matias, some might even say Rolly. I still feel like the best; you put me in with Rolly, I beat him. Fuck me with the guy Teo I beat for. Put me with Matias, I beat him.
“We can’t prove it until we fight, but that’s how I feel, and the only way to prove it is to fight each other.”
Well, there are some intriguing possibilities if Prograis raises his hand on Saturday.
