By: Sean Crose
He won 24-0 entering the ring that night in London. All but five of his battles ended in the gap. What’s more, the man’s Creole-tinged voice and colorful Louisiana backdrop make for a good TV show (part of why he was once an HBO attraction). On top of that, Regis Prograis was up against a big competitor that night – Josh Taylor 15-0 – for the unified junior welterweight title. Prograis holds the WBC belt while Taylor holds the IBF. The match can be considered an upside down match when entered. Needless to say, Prograis walked out of the ring after that night’s fight with his first loss on record and no WBC belt. He fought well, but Taylor overcame it.
In normal times that wouldn’t be a big deal. However, in 21st century boxing, a loss can be the death knell for one’s career. In the UFC, a failure is a failure, in contemporary boxing it is a defect. Ridiculous, sure, but it is what it is. Apparently Rocky Marciano, Floyd Mayweather and several others are real greats. Names like Ali, Leonard, Pacquiao, Dempsey, Robinson, Louis and countless others need not apply. Fortunately, Prograis chose to ignore this silly story. Naturally, the man has continued to fight since the game against Taylor, with a score of 3-0, all in stoppage time. What Prograis can’t seem to do, however, is let the lone L on his resume warp his psyche.
Ahead of his game this weekend against Jose Zapeda, Prograis appeared easy and confident. Even a menacing smile from Zapeda during this week’s final press conference did not faze the man. One might think Prograis would be at least a little nervous at the moment, as his scheduled 12th round match at Dignity Health Sports park in Carson California this weekend is for the middleweight title. WBC. Here he is, with the opportunity to once again have the green belt around his waist, and he simply feels the chills. However, that’s just Prograis.
“I will do my job on Saturday night,” he said NEWS after staring at Zapeda. “That’s when I’ll do what I have to do.” No bells. No whistle. Just boxing. “It wasn’t me,” he said of the pre-match antics. “For the most part, I am silent. I don’t need to say anything.” One thing is for sure, Prograis does not lack confidence. “It’s going to be an outstanding performance in the twelfth round,” he said of this weekend’s game.
