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Regis Prograis Stops Jose Zepeda To Become Two Time World Champion

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 27th November 2022.

Regis Prograis vs Jose Zepeda

Regis Prograis put in a performance deserving of a world title against a tough but outclassed Jose Zepeda in Carson, California.

Despite a big tenth from Zepeda and a couple of feeling out rounds to begin proceedings, Prograis controlled the action and landed the more damaging shots. By the eighth, Zepeda’s face was battered and the soon-to-be champion’s rhythm was clear to see.

As the pair entered the eleventh, the man from New Orleans was up on all three official scorecards by a big margin – 98-92, 98-92, and 97-93 – but he didn’t fancy leaving it in the hands of the judges’.

The stoppage came following a whole bunch of unanswered shots, starting with a huge overhand that left Zepeda dazed and, ultimately, slumped onto the ropes. The referee’s decision was fair, given the performance so far and the time left in the round.

It was an ideal outing for Prograis, who got rounds under his belt, the chance to show what he can do, and a KO on his record. Throughout the contest, he landed 156 punches to Zepeda’s 66.

In his post-fight interview, he congratulated Zepeda before assuming the role of champion well.

“That dude is tough, tough, tough. He came to fight, he probably gave me one of my hardest fights, I’m not even gonna lie. This dude is tough, bro. I’ve got so much respect to you. You prepared me to get this belt and hold this belt. I congratulate you. All the best to you, bro. Don’t stop, I feel like you can still be a world champion.”

“I’m not gonna say nobody’s name. At first nobody wanted to say my name, but now I’m a two-time world champion, now everybody’s gonna want to say my name. I’m gonna let them.”

The new WBC Super Lightweight Champion could be called to face former-holder of the belt, Jose Ramirez. If not, he may just start off another campaign to become undisputed having come up short against Josh Taylor the last time he held a title.