WBC super-lightweight champion, Regis Prograis, has revealed why he opted to sign for Matchroom Boxing as opposed to a deal with Top Rank.
Prograis became a two-time champion in the 140lb scene back in November when he defeated Jose Zepeda by knockout in the eleventh-round of their encounter in California.
‘Rougarou’ had been signed to Probellum but became a free-agent this year, leading to a race for his signature. It was Eddie Hearn and Matchroom that came out on top, agreeing a three-fight deal with the American.
In an interview with Ringside Views Prograis explained the reasoning behind his decision to accept Hearn’s offer over that of Bob Arum’s Top Rank.
“Top Rank offered me a longer contract, Matchroom offered me a shorter contract.”
“I can make more in 3 fights with Matchroom than in 4 fights with Top Rank. If I got in that Top Rank deal, I would’ve gotten stuck in those minimums. If they give you a minimum, that’s probably going to be your maximum.”
“The fighters I want to fight at Top Rank are [Jose] Ramirez, Josh Taylor, Teofimo [Lopez]”
“Ramirez has one fight left at Top Rank – would I be guaranteed him? Idk. I don’t think Ramirez will ever fight me.”
“Teo, he already said he’s not going to ESPN anymore. This might be his last fight at Top Tank and Josh Taylor might go to 147. Who am I left with over at Top Rank?”
“We are trying to get [Subriel] Matías. That’s the fight I want. From what I understand, [Matchroom] are trying to grab him.”
Although Prograis is chasing a unification bout with IBF champion, Matías, he already has an alternate fight to prepare for, agreeing to fight Australia’s Liam Paro in the first defence of his WBC title on June 17 in his hometown of Louisiana.