By: Sean Crose
“I am delighted to welcome Regis to the Matchroom team,” Matchroom promoter and honoree Eddie Hearn said in a surprise press release Saturday night. The Regis he’s referring to is the one and only WBC base welder class Regis Prograis. “The 140lb division is quickly becoming the most exciting league in the sport,” Hearn continued, “full of big names and exciting matches, so getting the WBC king on the team was a coup. major for us.”
Prograis 28-1 has been a free agent for a while, which makes him one of the hotter commodities in the sport of boxing. “It’s official now – I’m in Matchroom,” says Prograis. “Over the past few weeks, I have been pondering what step I should take next. I had a lot of good offers on the table. But I feel like Matchroom is the best for me. I just feel like it’s appropriate. I had that hunch from the beginning and it never left. I can’t wait to start this chapter in my career. I’ll be fighting Liam Paro in New Orleans on June 17. This is a dream come true.”
Suffice to say, the not yet widely known Paro 23-0 considers this an opportunity of a lifetime. “All my life I’ve dreamed of matches like this,” said the Australian. “What better way to make a mark at 140 lbs than by knocking out the top. Here’s what it’s all about. I’m coming.” With that said, Prograis is clearly expected to win on June 17. The press release shows that his deal with Matchroom is permanent.
“Regis’ fights always promise action,” says Hearn, “and along with his charisma and personality, there is a perfect blend that makes him one of the most friendly boxers. most fan and marketable – and one person told me he just wants the biggest game fought in the division – unified and undisputed.” Hearn is also happy to promote Prograis-Paro on Prograis’ home ground in New Orleans.
Hearn said: “I can’t wait to promote our first event in New Orleans. “It’s another city to add to the growing list of venues where we’ve hosted events in the United States, and with our new three-year agreement with DAZN, you can expect more venues than ever before. More great spots and more big name signings will be built in those cities.”
Prograis’ final match was a Jose Zepeda knockout in the 11th round in November.
