By: Sean Crose
Regis Prograis will be home in a few weeks. For the 17-1 junior welterweight world champion roster is now set to defend his WBC crown on June 17 at the Smoothie King Center in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. . Prograis’ opponents will be Danielito Zorrilla, who has been promoted to 17-1, Miguel Cotto in a match that will be televised live on DAZN and will be scheduled for twelve innings for the championship. Prograis was supposed to face Liam Paro that night, but Paro’s injury gave Zorrilla a one-of-a-kind chance.
“I’m glad Zorrilla fought,” said Prograis. “Nothing has changed for me; I’m still working hard to go out there and prove that I’m the best boxer in the world at 140 lbs. I will go out, do my thing, show for my city and defend my title with pride.” Although it is expected to face Paro, Prograis is satisfied with the way things are going. “I am sad for Liam,” Prograis said, “but we have a great replacement, and I will make everyone proud. People in the city are blocking me in the street and asking me about the fight, so I can’t wait to get in there and perform, it’s going to be a gunfight.”
Of course, Zorrilla is above cloud nine and with good reason. The challenger said: “We have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time in our careers and it has finally come. “I am ready to be world champion, I am grateful to Prograis for giving me the opportunity but on June 17 there will be a new world champion.” Although he will obviously be the underdog when he enters the ring on the night of June 17, Zorrilla still exudes confidence. “I’ve been following Prograis for a long time,” said Zorrilla, “and I know his style, I know I have the talent and the ability to win anyway. The world will know who Zorro is.”
Legendary boxer turned promoter Cotto is also confident of his protégé’s chances against Prograis. “Zorrilla worked hard to get this opportunity and there’s no doubt it’s time to fight for the World Championship,” he said. “Prograis is a great champion but on June 17 he will have a complete boxer in front of him, hungry and ready to be a World champion.”
