Regis Prograis facts for kids

Regis Prograis (pronounced REE-jiss PROH-gray; born January 24, 1989) is an American professional boxer. He has held important boxing titles, including the World Boxing Association (WBA) super lightweight title in 2019. He also held the World Boxing Council (WBC) super lightweight title from 2022 to 2023.

As of late 2023, many boxing experts consider him one of the best active super lightweight boxers in the world. His nickname is "Rougarou", which is a Louisiana French word for 'werewolf'. He chose this name to honor his grandfather, who has Native American roots.

Regis Prograis's Amateur Boxing Journey

Regis Prograis grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. His family has Louisiana Creole heritage. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit his hometown. This forced him to move to Houston, Texas.

In Houston, he started training at the Savannah Boxing Club. He even trained alongside famous boxer Evander Holyfield. This experience made him take boxing very seriously. As an amateur, Regis had a great record of 87 wins and only 7 losses. He was ranked as the #4 amateur boxer in the United States. He also won the 2009 Ringside World Champion title and the 2010 HORN National Champion title. He competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials before becoming a professional boxer that same year.

Regis Prograis's 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 the one at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This event was one of the first major boxing shows on CBS in over 40 years.

By 2015, ESPN recognized him as a top new boxer to watch. Other sports news outlets like USA Today and Yahoo Sports also saw him as a serious contender for a world title. Regis works with the well-known boxing promoter Lou DiBella.

World Boxing Super Series Tournament

In 2018, Regis Prograis joined the World Boxing Super Series. This was a special tournament for light welterweight boxers. As one of the top-ranked fighters, he got to choose his first opponent. He picked Terry Flanagan, a former champion.

Prograis vs. Flanagan Fight

Their fight happened on October 27, 2018, in New Orleans. Prograis won the fight by a unanimous decision, meaning all the judges agreed he won. He even knocked Flanagan down in the eighth round.

Becoming a WBA Champion

Prograis vs. Relikh Fight

Regis Prograis then moved on to the semifinals of the tournament. He faced Kiryl Relikh, who was the WBA super lightweight champion at the time. This fight took place on April 27, 2019, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Even though Relikh was the champion, Prograis was expected to win. Regis proved them right, winning by a knockout in the sixth round. He had won every round before the fight was stopped.

Prograis vs. Josh Taylor Fight

In the final match of the tournament, Regis Prograis fought Josh Taylor. Taylor was the champion of the IBF and The Ring magazine. This big fight happened on October 26, 2019, in London, England. Both boxers were undefeated and at the top of their game. It was a very close fight. In the end, Taylor won by a majority decision. This meant Prograis lost his WBA title.

Becoming a WBC Champion

After the tournament, Prograis continued to fight. He won against Juan Heraldez in October 2020 by a technical knockout. He also fought Ivan Redkach in April 2021. Prograis won this fight, which was stopped in the sixth round. His third fight before trying for another world title was against Tyrone McKenna in March 2022. Prograis won that fight by technical knockout as well.

Prograis vs. Zepeda Fight

In July 2022, the WBC ordered a fight for their vacant light welterweight championship. Jose Ramirez was supposed to fight Jose Zepeda. However, Ramirez pulled out, and Regis Prograis stepped in to fight Zepeda instead. They fought on November 26, 2022, in Carson, California. Prograis won the fight by knockout in the eleventh round. He became the new WBC light welterweight champion! Both boxers earned over a million dollars for this exciting match.

Prograis vs. Zorrilla Fight

Regis Prograis made his first defense of the WBC title on June 17, 2023, in New Orleans. He was supposed to fight Liam Paro, but Paro got injured. So, Danielito Zorrilla stepped in as his opponent. Prograis won the fight by a split decision, meaning the judges were not in full agreement, but most scored it for him. He knocked Zorrilla down in the third round but couldn't finish the fight early.

Prograis vs. Haney Fight

On December 9, 2023, Regis Prograis defended his WBC title against Devin Haney. Haney was the undisputed lightweight world champion moving up a weight class. The fight took place in San Francisco, California. Prograis lost the fight by a unanimous decision after being knocked down in the third round.

Prograis vs. Catterall Fight

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

Upcoming Fight: Prograis vs. Duarte

Regis Prograis is scheduled to fight Oscar Duarte on February 15, 2025, in Anaheim, California.

Professional Boxing Record

See also

In Spanish: Regis Prograis para niños

• List of world light-welterweight boxing champions