Photos: Regis Prograis Edges Danielito Zorrilla With Split-Nod, Retains WBC Belt

Smoothie King Center, New Orleans - For the WBC junior welterweight title, Regis Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) picked up a twelve round split decision over Danielito Zorrilla (17-2, 13 KOs) in a fight that lacked the promised fireworks. (photos by Ed Mulholland and Melina Pizano)

The scores were 118-109 Prograis, 114-113 for Zorrilla, and 117-110 for Prograis.

The fight began with a calculated pace, as both were jabbing and looking for big shots, but began to exchange heavy leather in the closing seconds. It appeared that Prograis went down from a right hand and it was ruled as a push due to Zorrilla stepping in and Prograis grabbing him, which made both go down.

In the second round, it was mainly Prograis stalking with the jab. Zorrilla was moving around and landing a few counter right hands. The same in the third, with Prograis stalking with his jab and connected with a left hand to drop Zorrilla, who seemed fine upon rising. Prograis went for the kill, with Zorrilla choosing to stand and exchange. Zorrilla would then circle the ring until the bell.

The fourth saw Zorrilla hitting and holding when Prograis in close. Prograis was applying a lot of pressure. In rounds five through eight, Prograis continued to press forward and push Zorrilla back. There wasn't much action with Zorrilla moving around so much and Prograis unable to get in range for big punches.

The ninth saw a more aggressive Prograis, who upped the pressure and was looking for more impact. They began to exchange punches in the final minute. Not much action took place in the tenth. The eleventh saw Prograis with a lot of pressure, getting in close and landing to the body at times. Zorrilla was landing fast counters here and there. In the twelfth and final round, both were busier with their hands. Both were connecting in spots, before an exchange of punches in the closing seconds.