Eddie Hearn Explains Why Signing Regis Prograis Was So Crucial For Him
Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing recently made a big signing as they inked a deal with Regis Prograis.
Prograis is the current 140lbs WBC champion and is one of the biggest stars at 140lbs. However, that weight class has been one that Hearn has struggled to promote, he believes signing Prograis should allow him to get into talks to make super fights against the likes of Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor among others.
“It’s really important to get our foot in divisions that are the glamor divisions in boxing,” Hearn told Boxing News. “We kind of missed the boat in welterweight. It’s not the glamor division it was but four, five, six years ago we had Kell Brook. Unfortunately, he didn’t capitalize on his win over Shawn Porter, but now at 135 and 140, it’s really important for us to get in there with guys that can mix it up with the elite. And with Regis I honestly believe—and I saw Josh Taylor replied to my message because I said [Regis] is number one—I really rate Josh Taylor but I think right now with the momentum I believe Regis Prograis would beat Josh Taylor. I promoted their first fight. It was brilliant and they’re both brilliant fighters, but I believe that we have the best 140-pounder in the world.”
With Eddie Hearn inking a deal with Regis Prograis, the champ is set to make his promotional debut on June 17 in his hometown of New Orleans on June 17 at the Smoothie King Center against Liam Paro.
Although Paro is not the massive fight many thought, Hearn says Prograis just wanted to be active and they got him a fight seven weeks later in his hometown.
“When you look at the fighters coming up, Ryan Garcia, Shakur, Tank, Devin Haney, all these guys, Teofimo, Josh Taylor, it’s a massive division and Regis is ready for all those guys,” Hearn continued. “He had other offers, he had bigger offers, and that’s one of the most pleasing things to me is he likes us, he likes what we do. He wanted to be part of that and he wanted momentum, he wanted activity. And when we signed him, we said, ‘bang, seven weeks’ time’: June 17th, Liam Paro, first defense, and not just that at home, in New Orleans. I think the kid’s a star.”
Regis Prograis is currently 28-1 and his lone loss was a controversial majority decision loss to Josh Taylor. He is currently on a four-fight win streak and coming off a KO win over Jose Zepeda.
Who would you like to see Regis Prograis fight after Liam Paro?
