PROGRAIS DEFENDS WBC CROWN AGAINST ZORRILLA IN NEW ORLEANS
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 23 May 2023
Puerto Rican lands dream World title shot against ‘Rougarou’ on June 17
Regis Prograis will defend his WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Danielito Zorrilla on Saturday June 17 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, live worldwide on DAZN.
TICKETS FOR PROGRAIS VS. ZORILLA ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM
Prograis (28-1 24 KOs) became a two-time World king at 140lbs by dismantling and knocking out Jose Zepeda in 11 rounds at the feted ‘War Grounds’ of the Dignity Health in California in November.
The New Orleans native previously held the WBA title at Super-Lightweight, winning the belt against Kiryl Relikh via sixth round stoppage at the University of Louisiana in April 2019 in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series, before meeting Josh Taylor in the final at The O2 in London in October in a barnstorming battle edged by the Scot.
The 34 year old returned to winning ways against Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna to lead to his win over Zepeda, and ‘Rougarou’ is looking to shine in his first fight at home since October 2018 as he aims to land the unification fights he craves in the second half of 2023, with undisputed on his mind in 2024.
Zorrilla (17-1 13 KOs) will be out to spoil those plans, and the Puerto Rican promoted by the legendary Miguel Cotto, lands a golden opportunity to win his first World title on June 17, replacing the injured Liam Paro. The 29 year old held the WBO NABO title at 140lbs, highlighted by a destructive second round KO over Pablo Cesar Cano, and pushed highly rated Californian Arnold Barbosa Jr all the way in their clash in July.
“I’m glad that Zorrilla has taken the fight,” said Prograis. “Nothing changes for me; I am still working hard to go out there and prove that I am the best fighter in the world at 140lbs. I will go out, do my thing, show out for my city and defend my title with pride.
“I’m sad for Liam but we have a great replacement, and I am going to make every proud. Everyone in the city is stopping me in the street and asking me about the fight, so I cannot wait to get in there and put on a show, it’s going to be a fire fight.”
“We have waited for this opportunity for a long time in my career and it has finally arrived,” said Zorrilla. “I am ready to be a world champion, I am grateful to Prograis for giving me the opportunity but on June 17, there will be a new World champion.
“I've been watching Prograis for a long time and I know his style, I know I have the talent and ability to win by any means. The world will know who Zorro is.”
"Zorrilla has worked hard for this opportunity and without a doubt the time has come to fight for the World championship,” said Cotto. “Prograis is a great champion but on June 17 he will have a complete boxer in front of him, hungry and ready to be World champion."
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Press Conference Notes: Robeisy Ramirez Ready to Defend Featherweight Crown against Rafael Espinoza
Fri, 08 Dec 2023PRIME VIDEO AND PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ANNOUNCE NEW MULTIYEAR RIGHTS AGREEMENT BEGINNING IN 2024
Fri, 08 Dec 2023Flores, Ronquillo seek 2nd win in Cavite
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 07 Dec 2023DATAMATICS beats the 5-time champion Accenture
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 07 Dec 2023“PANDEMONIUM AT THE PALLADIUM 2” Press Conference Quotes
Thu, 07 Dec 2023Brandon Benitez and Rigoberto Hermosillo Training Camp Notes
Thu, 07 Dec 2023HANEY AND PROGRAIS FACE-OFF AS BLOCKBUSTER BATTLE EDGES CLOSER
Thu, 07 Dec 2023Cuban Boxing Sensation Yoenlis Hernandez Set to Accelerate Towards World Title Glory
Thu, 07 Dec 2023Boxlab Promotions’ Umara, Brown & Estela look to finish 2023 with a bang
Thu, 07 Dec 2023Pasig, Toledo clash in PCAP finals
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 07 Dec 2023Celebrity Chess For A Cause Event: Torre to hold chess simul in Pangasinan
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 07 Dec 2023The Past Week in Action 5 December 2023: Ryan Garcia KOs Duarte in Ring Return; Gill Upsets Conlan; Gwynne Stops Marsili
By Eric Armit, Wed, 06 Dec 2023Go wins Godfather Award in 3rd SYSA
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 06 Dec 2023Pasig hosts "Battle of the Future Grandmasters" set Dec. 9 and 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 06 Dec 2023PINOY BOXING 13: ESNETH DOMINGO BATTLES MICHAEL BRAVO FOR THE WBO GLOBAL FLYWEIGHT TITLE
By Maloney L. Samaco, Wed, 06 Dec 2023