Former WBA Super 140lbs champion Regis Prograis will make his long-awaited return under the PBC banner. It is, however, only a one-fight deal for now as the talented New Orleans southpaw reviews his options.
In his first fight since dropping a wafer-thin decision to Josh Taylor in the WBSS Final last October, Prograis (24-1, 20 KOs) will meet Las Vegas’ capable Juan Heraldez (16-0-1, 10 KOs) on the undercard of the Leo Santa Cruz vs Gervonta Davis clash at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut on October 24.
Prograis split amicably with long-time promoter Lou DiBella earlier this month and reportedly had discussions with Top Rank who represent WBC and WBO 140lbs champion Jose Ramirez.
A more permanent move to PBC would suggest a move to welterweight as Al Haymon’s promotional vehicle represents the majority of the star names in a glittering 147lbs division.
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The WBO has ordered a fight between Mexican star Emanuel Navarrete and undefeated American Ruben Villa for its vacant featherweight title.
Former WBO 122lbs champion Navarrete (32-1, 28 KOs) relinquished his crown to move up in weight and was originally scheduled to face Jessie Magdaleno before his fellow Top Rank fighter withdrew after a financial deal could not be reached.
Californian southpaw Villa (18-0, 5 KOs) was the next available contender. Negotiations will now commence.
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Recent WBO strawweight title challenger Axel Aragon (14-3-1, 8 KOs) earned a 10-round unanimous decision over two-time world title challenger Saul Juarez (25-12-2, 13 KOs) at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida, on Friday night. Scores were 100-90 (twice) and 98-92. Aragon’s sharper punching caught the eye early before veteran Juarez held firm later on.
In other action, Puerto Rican featherweight hope Henry Lebron (13-0, 9 KOs) outscored Colombia’s Luis Porozo over eight-rounds. Scores were 80-71 (twice) and 79-72. Southpaw Lebron overcame a cut over his left eye from the third. The durable Porozo (15-4, 9 KOs) proved a frustrating foe, but was deducted a point for rabbit-punching in the fifth.
On the undercard, Top Rank’s new Puerto Rican star Omar Rosario (1-0, 0 KOs) dominated every round against Solon Staley (1-5-1, 0 KOs) over four-rounds at welterweight. Scores were 40-36 for the six-time national champion from Caguas. He’s one to watch.
Main image: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing