Regis Progrias has revealed a surprising factor in why he decided to sign with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom over rival promoters Top Rank earlier this year.
The WBC super lightweight world champion was one of the most in demand free agents in boxing before signing with Hearn’s outfit, who have delivered him a huge clash against Devin Haney in December.
And in a recent interview with Cigar Talk, ‘Rougarou’ explained that Top Rank not shelling out on a first class plane ticket left him asking “where is the love?” and contributed to him deciding to sign with Matchroom.
“I was a free agent a few months ago. Top Rank, Eddie – they were all reaching out! I think one of the main differences was the fight date, first of all. Top Rank said I could fight in August, whereas Eddie said I could fight in June, that meant I could have summer time with my kids.”
“When they told me June, that was one of the deciding factors. Another one was the love! Eddie Hearn flew to Houston to talk to me. He came and talked to me. With Top Rank, they flew me with South West – in economy! Where is the love at?”
“I just didn’t feel the love. Eddie came to me, and you flew me on South West!”
The fight with former undisputed lightweight world champion Haney will be a career high pay day for Prograis, so he is likely very content with his decision to side with Hearn over rival promoter Bob Arum.
Though he goes into the contest an underdog, victory would potentially lead to a host of mouth watering fights against the likes of Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez and Gervonta Davis.