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Regis Prograis can’t believe the similarities he shares with Jose Zepeda.
Prograis, the former 140-pound titlist from New Orleans, may soon have another long awaited title shot against the Mexican-American contender from La Puente, California.
The World Boxing Council recently ordered a vacant 140-pound title shot between the two fighters. Zepeda was originally supposed to enter negotiations with former unified 140-pound champion Jose Ramirez, but Ramirez had to back out due to personal issues. Zepeda dropped a close decision to Ramirez in 2019.
Prograis voiced his severe displeasure with the WBC’s initial order. Now he’s apparently on cloud nine, saying in a recent interview that he is “crazy happy” with the new development from the WBC.
Far from being dismissive of his prospective opponent, Prograis could not but help notice several alluring commonalities that he shares with Zepeda, who is the same age as Prograis at 33.
“It’s not just a big fight for the division, it’s a big fight for boxing…there’s a big story behind it,” Prograis told IFL TV. “Me and Zepeda, both of us southpaws, both of us have big knockout power. Zepeda definitely earned a shot.
Prograis, who is backed by Probellum, pointed out that he believes Zepeda deserved the nod over Ramirez in their 2019 encounter when Ramirez held a 140-pound title. Zepeda is promoted by Top Rank.
“I really thought he beat Ramirez the first time…he deserved the belt the first time,” Prograis said. “Then after that he scraped his way back to the top. He had a few knockouts, real bad knockouts, put people to sleep, fight-of-the-year type of knockouts. So he definitely deserves a shot.
“I have big power in both of my hands. So you have that on that side.”
Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) was involved in a barnburner against Ivan Baranchyk in 2020, winning by fifth round technical knockout. Many observers called it the top fight of the year. Zepeda is coming off a first-round stoppage of Josue Vargas last year.
Prograis (27-1, 23 KOs) also noted that he and Zepeda share one of the same trainers in Los Angeles-based Julian Chua, best known as the head trainer of light heavyweight contender Gilberto Ramirez. Prograis said Chua will recuse himself from working with either fighter if their fight materializes.
“And the second big story is we share one of the same trainers,” Prograis said. “You know, Julian Chua trains both of us…but he told me he’s gonna stay out of both of the camps for this fight. He’s going to be neutral for this fight.
“And third, both of us really want this shot. I know me like bro nothing gon’ take me away from it. I don’t care who you put me in the ring with.”
Prograis last fought in March, stopping Tyrone McKenna in six rounds.