Regis Prograis facts for kids

Regis Prograis (pronounced REE-jiss PROH-gray; born January 24, 1989) is an American professional boxer. He is known for his powerful punches and exciting fights. Regis has held two major world boxing titles: the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight title in 2019, and the World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight title from 2022 to 2023.

His nickname is "Rougarou," which is a Louisiana French word for 'werewolf'. He chose this name to honor his grandfather, who has Native American heritage.

Regis Prograis: Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Regis Prograis grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. His family has Louisiana Creole roots. In 2005, a big storm called Hurricane Katrina forced him to move to Houston, Texas.

This move changed his life because he started training at the Savannah Boxing Club. There, he trained alongside famous boxer Evander Holyfield. This experience really motivated Regis to take boxing seriously. He had a great amateur career, winning 87 fights and losing only 7. He was ranked #4 in the United States as an amateur. He also won the 2009 Ringside World Champion title and regional Golden Gloves before becoming a professional boxer in 2012.

Regis Prograis: Professional Boxing Career

Starting Out as a Pro Boxer

After turning professional, Regis Prograis quickly made a name for himself. He fought at big events, like at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. One of his fights was on the undercard of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter match, which was a major boxing event shown on CBS television. In 2015, ESPN named him a "Prospect of the Year" candidate, meaning they thought he had a bright future. Other sports news outlets like USA Today and Yahoo Sports also recognized him as a serious contender for a world title.

World Boxing Super Series Journey

In 2018, Regis Prograis joined the World Boxing Super Series, a tournament for top boxers in the light welterweight division.

Prograis vs. Flanagan: First Tournament Win

As one of the top fighters, Regis got to pick his first opponent. He chose Terry Flanagan, a former world champion. Their fight happened in New Orleans on October 27, 2018. Regis won the fight by a unanimous decision, meaning all the judges agreed he was the clear winner. He even knocked Flanagan down in the eighth round.

Becoming a World Champion: WBA Title

Prograis vs. Relikh: Winning the WBA Title

In the semifinals of the tournament, Regis faced Kiryl Relikh, who was the WBA super lightweight champion. This fight took place on April 27, 2019, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Even though Relikh was the champion, many experts thought Regis would win. Regis proved them right by winning with a knockout in the sixth round. He was winning every round before the fight ended. This victory made Regis Prograis the new WBA super lightweight champion!

Prograis vs. Taylor: A Tough Loss

The final match of the World Boxing Super Series was a big one. On October 26, 2019, Regis Prograis faced Josh Taylor in London, England. Taylor was also an undefeated world champion, holding the IBF and The Ring super lightweight titles. It was a highly anticipated fight between two top boxers. After a very close and exciting match, Taylor won by a majority decision. This meant Regis lost his WBA title.

WBC Light Welterweight Champion

After his loss, Regis Prograis worked hard to get back to the top. He won several fights, showing his skill and determination.

Prograis vs. Zepeda: Winning the WBC Title

On November 26, 2022, Regis Prograis fought Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBC light welterweight championship. This was a big opportunity for Regis to become a world champion again. The fight took place in Carson, California. Regis won the fight by knockout in the eleventh round, becoming the new WBC light welterweight champion! He was ahead on all the judges' scorecards when the fight was stopped.

Prograis vs. Zorrilla: First Title Defense

Regis Prograis defended his WBC title for the first time against Danielito Zorrilla on June 17, 2023, in his hometown of New Orleans. It was a challenging fight, but Regis managed to keep his title by a split decision. He knocked Zorrilla down in the third round, but Zorrilla continued to fight.

Prograis vs. Haney: Losing the WBC Title

On December 9, 2023, Regis Prograis faced Devin Haney, who was an undisputed lightweight world champion moving up in weight. The fight took place in San Francisco, California. Regis lost the fight by a unanimous decision after being knocked down in the third round. This meant he lost his WBC light welterweight title.

Prograis vs. Catterall: A Recent Fight

Regis Prograis fought Jack Catterall in Manchester, England, on October 26, 2024. Regis lost this fight by a unanimous decision.

Prograis vs. Duarte: Upcoming Fight

Regis Prograis is scheduled to fight Oscar Duarte at Honda Center in Anaheim, CA on February 15, 2025.

Regis Prograis: Boxing Record

Boxing Titles Held by Regis Prograis

Regis Prograis has held several important titles in his boxing career:

Major World Titles

• WBA light welterweight champion (140 pounds)
• WBC light welterweight champion (140 pounds)

Interim World Titles

• WBC interim light welterweight champion (140 pounds) - An interim title means he was a temporary champion while the main champion was unavailable.

Regional and International Titles

• NABF light welterweight champion (140 pounds)
• NABF Junior light welterweight champion (140 pounds)

Honorary Titles

• WBC Diamond light welterweight champion - This is a special award given by the WBC for outstanding achievements.

See also

In Spanish: Regis Prograis para niños

• List of world light-welterweight boxing champions