The message sent by Subriel Matias has been received loud and clear.
Prior to Monday afternoon, Regis Prograis didn’t have any real knowledge of a brewing showdown with the Puerto Rican knockout artist. Such a matchup was brought to his attention through social media, where his junior welterweight divisional rival saw fit to launch his campaign.
“The sport that you and I chose is one of courage and bravery! Showtime already offered you the fight,” Matias stated through his Facebook and Instagram channels on Monday. “[I]f it's fear what you feel, I don't blame you, I'm afraid of myself.
“I'm going to write it to you in your language so that you understand. [Take] the fight, Prograis, I'm waiting [for] the contract.”
Efforts by BoxingScene.com to confirm the status of such a proposed revealed—through sources—that the matter has not yet evolved beyond the exploratory phase.
Prograis (25-1, 21KOs) is coming off of a 3rd round knockout win over unbeaten Juan Heraldez this past Halloween in San Antonio, Texas. The bout—which aired live on a Showtime Pay-Per-View Event—was his first since losing his 140-pound title in a tightly contested 12-round decision to fellow unbeaten titlist Josh Taylor last October in the World Boxing Super Series finale.
One week prior, Matias also rebounded from his lone career defeat with a 6th round stoppage of Malik Hawkins in their Showtime-televised bout from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
The goal moving forward for Prograis is to return to that level, though the 31-year old southpaw couldn’t help but at least respond to any suggestion of running scared from Matias (16-1, 16KOs) or anyone else.
“Who the f--k is this calling me out?” Prograis asked, rhetorically upon learning of Matias’ claims. “This is a C- fighter and I will eat him up and SH-T him out.
“You better finish kindergarten before you join the big boys. I know I shouldn’t be replying to this but if you know me you know I can’t backdown from a fight.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for @BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
