Prograis: Glad My First Post-Pandemic Fight Happened With Fans In Attendance

The past year didn’t exactly go as planned for Regis Prograis, although it at least ended on a high note.

Just one fight came for the former 140-pound titlist during a pandemic-stricken 2020, a similar theme for most in the sport currently on or above his level. There are many who didn’t even get to see the ring following the start of the ongoing global health crisis. Those who were fortunate enough likely saw their bouts take place without fans in attendance.

Prograis (25-1, 21KOs) was among the more fortunate, as his 3rd round knockout came with plenty of witnesses. The bout served as part of a Showtime Pay-Per-View event in front of an announced crowd of 9,024 at The Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Halloween-aired show was headlined by Gervonta Davis’ 6th round knockout of Leo Santa Cruz, with Prograis enjoying a supporting role on a card just 2 ½ hours from his current hometown of Katy, Texas.

“I’m glad my first fight [in the pandemic] was with fans,” Prograis admitted to BoxingScene.com while still considering his next move. “I was blessed to be able to fight in front of fans and in my home state. It just worked out in my favor.

“It happens a lot in boxing. Something bad could happen or something doesn’t go my way, something better comes out of it.”

For Prograis, the reward came from the sacrifice of going 53 weeks between ring appearances. The 32-year old boxer—who has divided his time between New Orleans and Houston—hadn’t fought since his lone career defeat, a heartbreaking 12-round majority decision to Josh Taylor in their Oct. 2019 junior welterweight title unification clash and World Boxing Super Series tournament final.

Plans of a desired showdown with Dallas’ Maurice Hooker was in store for Prograis’ first fight of 2020, to have taken place last April 18th at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The initial wave of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced a cancellation, with post-pandemic efforts to salvage the matchup ultimately proving futile. A dispute over the final contracted weight limit forced both parties to go their separate ways.

Hooker (27-1-3, 18KOs) hasn’t fought since then, although he is now in line for an all-Dallas welterweight showdown with unbeaten contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. (16-0, 16KOs). Prograis is still awaiting his next assignment, though at least has one fight under his belt and remains among the top 140-pound contenders.

There is the possibility that Prograis’ next fight could take place behind closed doors. Whatever the case, the events in his life suggest something better to eventually come of the opportunity.

“I was supposed to fight Maurice Hooker. We were supposed to make a sh-tload of money,” notes Prograis of the canceled fight. “The fight didn’t happen the first time. The fight didn’t happen the second time. I end up getting a fight on this Mayweather [Promotions] card. It ends up being one of the biggest cards of the year, and in front of fans and in Texas.

"All those things happened. For me, when one door closes, three more open. That’s how life happens for me. You just have to adapt when the time calls for it. Would I fight behind closed doors or not at all? Of course I’d choose to fight behind closed doors.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox