Regis Prograis grew to become a two-time junior welterweight world titleholder together with his victory over Jose Zepeda. Photograph by Tom Hogan
Regis Prograis will defend his WBC junior welterweight belt towards Danielito Zorrilla on Saturday June 17 on the Smoothie King Heart in New Orleans, Louisiana, stay worldwide on DAZN.
Prograis (28-1 24 KOs) grew to become a two-time king at 140-lbs by dismantling and knocking out Jose Zepeda in 11 rounds on the feted ‘Warfare Grounds’ of the Dignity Well being in California in November.
The New Orleans native beforehand held the WBA title at that very same weight, profitable the belt towards Kiryl Relikh by way of sixth spherical stoppage on the College of Louisiana in April 2019 within the semi-finals of the World Boxing Tremendous Collection, earlier than assembly Josh Taylor within the remaining at The O2 in London in October in a barnstorming battle edged by the Scot.
The 34 yr previous returned to profitable methods towards Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna to result in his win over Zepeda, and ‘Rougarou’ is trying to shine in his first battle at residence since October 2018 as he goals to land the unification fights he craves within the second half of 2023, with undisputed on his thoughts in 2024.
Zorrilla (17-1 13 KOs) can be out to spoil these plans, and the Puerto Rican promoted by the legendary Miguel Cotto, lands a golden alternative to win his first title on June 17, changing the injured Liam Paro. The 29 yr previous scored a damaging second spherical KO over Pablo Cesar Cano, and pushed extremely rated Californian Arnold Barbosa Jr all the best way of their conflict in July.
“I’m glad that Zorrilla has taken the battle,” mentioned Prograis. “Nothing adjustments for me; I’m nonetheless working arduous to go on the market and show that I’m the most effective fighter on this planet at 140lbs. I’ll exit, do my factor, present out for my metropolis and defend my title with pleasure.
“I’m unhappy for Liam however we’ve a fantastic substitute, and I’m going to make each proud. Everybody within the metropolis is stopping me on the street and asking me concerning the battle, so I can not wait to get in there and placed on a present, it’s going to be a hearth battle.”
“Now we have waited for this chance for a very long time in my profession and it has lastly arrived,” mentioned Zorrilla. “I’m able to be a world champion, I’m grateful to Prograis for giving me the chance however on June 17, there can be a brand new world champion.
“I’ve been watching Prograis for a very long time and I do know his fashion, I do know I’ve the expertise and skill to win by any means. The world will know who Zorro is.”
“Zorrilla has labored arduous for this chance and undoubtedly the time has come to battle for the (title),” mentioned Cotto. “Prograis is a good champion however on June 17 he can have a whole boxer in entrance of him, hungry and able to be champion.”