Regis Prograis vs. Jose Zepeda | PPV - November 26, 2022

[DrDuke]

Really good matchup. Both have something in the box and it's a question, who can show more. Prograis gotta be favored, but you'll never tell for sure. He seems to be trickier, but the same seemed prior to his Taylor bout. And Zepeda is well-schooled and tough.

[Ruthless-RKO]

I wonder who’s gonna carry it on PPV.

Probably end up on FITE or PPV.com.

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Tickets to this sensational clash will go On-Sale This Friday, October 14 at 12:00 p.m. PT online at AXS.com.

Below are quotes from the fighters:

Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda

“Both of us are in our prime. This is #1 vs. #2, the top two fighters in the division. We don’t get to see that very often nowadays in boxing and this shows it’s going to be a great fight. Both of us have a lot of knockouts, true punching power. I’m getting ready for hell because I know it’s going to be that type of fight. It’s a really exciting fight for the fans at the War Grounds and those watching on pay-per-view.”

“There’s not a lot of need for trash talk between us. We’ve both done our work in the ring and boxing fans know what type of fight to expect. I went through hell already with Ivan Baranchyk, Jose Ramirez and Jose Pedraza. Regis hits hard, he’s clever inside the ring and he’s a southpaw. It has all the ingredients for a great fight for the fans.”

“I wasn’t surprised at all that we got this fight. We both wanted it, we both want to become world champions. Both of us need this title, we’re 33 years old and in our prime. Whoever wins this title will have a life changing experience.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve fought in Los Angeles and I’m looking forward to seeing a packed War Grounds on November 26 for another classic fight at this iconic venue.”

Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis

“I used to live in Los Angeles so I’m very comfortable here. I just can’t wait for this fight and to become a world champion. Zepeda’s a real good fighter and I already know what he’s coming with. This is a dream come true for me because I wanted to stay at 140 and become a two-time world champion. My last three fights were against ‘okay’ opposition but this is the fight to show that I’m elite. He’s a killer and I give him all the respect but I’m going to do my thing on November 26.”

“Los Angeles is one of my favorite cities in the world. To come here and fight at The War Grounds to become a two-time world champion is historic for me.”

“I’m not surprised at all this fight is happening. He wanted the fight, I wanted the fight. We both want to be champions. He fought for the belt and I thought he beat Ramirez.”

“We are two killers, I have a lot of power in both hands, he has a lot of power in both hands. And that’s what makes for an interesting fight, #1 vs. #2. No one knows who’s going to win, it’s a real 50/50 fight.”

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This can’t-miss matchup of two elite boxing stars in their prime will be available on cable, satellite, telco and streaming PPV outlets throughout the US and Canada. More details on where to order the PPV telecast will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Additional information on ‘The Battle of the Best’, including the media credential application process will be announced shortly

[JxhDel.]

Some banger for the WBC superlight. An underrated division for sure.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Undercard Press Release

The Pay-Per-View undercard has been announced for ‘Battle of the Best’ headlined by the highly anticipated WBC Super Lightweight Championship between #1 Ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) and #2 Ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis (27-1, 23 KO’s), set for Saturday, November 26 and emanating from ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, just outside of Los Angeles, CA.

Zepeda vs. Prograis can be seen live on cable, satellite, telco and streaming PPV outlets on Saturday, November 26 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. Fans can order the PPV stream on FITE TV at https://www.fite.tv/watch/zepeda-vs-prograis/2pc6z/ or on PPV.COM at https://www.ppv.com.

With the international boxing world witnessing extraordinary women’s world championship bouts throughout this year, the tremendous momentum continues as fast-rising female superstar Yokasta ‘Yoka’ Valle, (26-2, 9 KO’s), of San Jose, Costa Rica battles undefeated world champion Evelyn ‘La Princesita’ Bermudez, (17-0-1, 6 KOs), of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina for the WBC and WBO Super Flyweight World Titles over ten scheduled rounds.

Fighting in the junior middleweight division, undefeated contender, 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell, (17-0, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, faces his toughest opposition against upset minded, Dominican Juan Carlos Abreu, (25-6-1, 23 KOs) in a ten-round fight.

2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov, (11-0, 11 KOs), standing 6’7”and considered the dominant heavyweight of the future, faces off against veteran Curtis Harper, (14-8, 9 KOs), of Jacksonville, FL over ten rounds.

In a special attraction super welterweight six rounder, boxing fans will see the ‘Son of a Legend’, sure-fire prospect Fernando Vargas Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), open the Pay-Per-View against an opponent to be announced. The heavy-handed southpaw makes his return following a devastating first round knockout of Terrance Jarmon on May 14, 2022 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

[margaret thatcher]

2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov

quite the creative nickname there

[DrDuke]

2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov

quite the creative nickname there

Should be "The Jolly Banger", like we used to call him on the board during the Olympics.

[Ruthless-RKO]

It's $14.99 on FITE.

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Press Release | Ruben Torres vs. Eduardo Estela Set

Thompson Boxing’s undefeated lightweight star, Ruben “Ace” Torres (19-0, 16 KOs), from South Central, Los Angeles, is back in action on November 26, when he steps in the ring with Eduardo Estela (13-1, 9 KOs), of Montevideo, Uruguay. The fight is presented by MarvNation and produced by Legendz Entertainment live on Pay-Per-View.

Torres vs. Estela, a scheduled 8-round bout, will take place at ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. The main event will showcase Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda (35-2, 27 KO’s) of LaPuente, CA vs. #2 ranked, former World Champion Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis (27-1, 23 KOs) of New Orleans, for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight world title.

“This is a big fight for me, and I plan to take full advantage of the opportunity,” said Torres. “I know Estela is hungry to make a name for himself so I’m well aware of the task at hand, I must dictate the action from the opening bell. At this point in my career, every fight is life or death. This will be my first time fighting outside of my Thompson Boxing family, and I’m going to represent my promoter with a great performance.”

Torres’ knockout of Cristian Baez (18-2, 17 KOs) in his last fight went viral, and he hopes to build on that momentum. Torres has knocked out 9 of his last 10 opponents.

“I feel my power has improved with each fight as I’m getting more comfortable sitting on my punches,” continued Torres. “Every day I train, I’m working on some aspect of throwing a power punch. All the hard work will be on display on November 26th.”

Making his U.S.A. debut, Eduardo Estela has nothing to lose and promises to bring forth an entertaining fight. He believes Torres is not on his level and plans to upset him in his hometown.

“I saw a lot of weaknesses in Torres when he fought Baez,” stated Estela. “I have confidence in my ability to execute the game plan my trainer and I put together. This will be the first time I’ll be fighting in the United States, so this is my chance to prove to the world that I’m an elite fighter. A victory will catapult me to bigger fights down the road. I will not let this opportunity pass me by. I'm fighting for all my countrymen back home. Torres is in for a rude awakening.”

“We believe Ruben Torres has all the ingredients to become a world champion,” said Alex Camponovo, General Manager for Thompson Boxing. “This is a very dangerous opponent, and a win against Estela will certainly help Torres climb the rankings.”

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Zepeda-Prograis Update

The announce team is set for the November 26 PPV event headlined by the big WBC super lightweight title clash between WBC #1 ranked Jose “Chon” Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) and #2 ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis (27-1, 23 KOs) from “The War Grounds,” a.k.a. Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, just outside of Los Angeles.

The lineup includes Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Marco Antonio Barrera, Raul “El Diamante” Marquez, Cynthia Conte, Corey Erdman, Ernesto Amador, and Mike Rodriguez. The PPV is presented and produced by Legendz Entertainment in association with MarvNation Promotions.

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Press Release | Fernando Vargas Jr. To Open Zepeda vs. Prograis PPV Broadcast

Junior middleweight prospect and ‘Son of a Legend’ Fernando ‘El Feroz’ Vargas Jr., (6-0, 6 KOs), of Las Vegas, NV will open the ‘Battle of the Best’ Pay-Per-View against Alejandro ‘Thunder’ Martinez, (3-2-1, 2 KOs), of Montebello, CA set for Saturday, November 26 from ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park, just outside of Los Angeles.

Vargas Jr. vs. Martinez, scheduled for six rounds, is featured at ‘Battle of the Best’, headlined by the anticipated WBC 140lb. world championship between #1 ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda and #2 ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis.

Said the fast-rising star, Vargas Jr. about the upcoming fight, “I feel blessed for this opportunity to be fighting on pay-per-view and I’m not taking it lightly. I’ve had a hard training camp and I’m excited to demonstrate my skills to the public.

Vargas Jr. is trained by his father, three-time junior middleweight world champion, Fernando ‘Feroz’ Vargas Sr.

“I’m excited, my boys got it. They’re my seeds so they have what it takes. I’m proud of Junior, he has a last name that carries history. He has the goods and I can’t wait to see him show his talent November 26th. We’re more than ready.”

This past Saturday night, Vargas Jr's younger brother, 18-year-old Emiliano ‘El General’ Vargas, again impressed the boxing world with his second knockout victory, fighting at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas and live on ESPN+. The third boxing son of Vargas Sr., undefeated featherweight prospect Amado ‘El Malvado’ Vargas, (4-0, 2 KOs), will also be fighting on the off-TV undercard at ‘Battle of the Best’, with further details to be announced shortly.

The heavy-handed southpaw Vargas Jr. has quickly impressed since hitting the paid ranks two years ago, scoring knockout victories in each of his six professional bouts, four of which have come in the first two rounds. In his last start on May 14, he stunned the crowd at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA with a devastating first round knockout of Terrance Jarmon.

The upset minded Martinez returns to battle after a shutout four-round decision victory over Rafael Herrera Amezcua on May 28. Prior to that he traveled to Madison Square Garden on October 30, 2021, losing a majority decision to undefeated prospect Pablo Valdez.

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Regis Prograis: "Once I Get The Belt - People Will Have To Say My Name!"

“Boxing is my job, my career, and Thanksgiving comes every year,” said Prograis. “Would I fight for the second chance to get my belt again every year? Probably not. So, for me, I won't miss Thanksgiving at all. Even if it was Christmas, I won't miss Christmas. Even if it was my birthday, I won't miss my birthday. This is way bigger.”

“Just being at the top, that's the thing,” he said. “It felt like when I was a champion, I was number one in the division, number one in the world, I was a world champion, and I was at the top. And now for the last three years, it's like nobody mentions my name. I know it's a high-risk, low-reward type of thing, but once I get the belt again, people will have to say my name again because I'll be the champion.”

“I'm in boxing not just to make money, but I want to be number one,” he said. “That's my main thing, to be number one in the world, be a champion, and to say I'm a world champion. They say a champion will always be a champion, but when people introduce me, it's as a former champion. So when I get introduced, I want them to say, he IS the champion. That's one of the biggest things that I miss.”

“I do feel like I have because of what I do in the gym,” said Prograis, who makes his home in Houston. “That's the main thing. I spar with top people in the gym, way bigger people than me and they keep me sharp. As far as the fights, of course, the level of opposition hasn't really been there, but all you can do is just fight who they put in front of you. For the last three years, I've been calling out everybody and their mama, and just because you call out people, that don't mean you get the fights. So I fought who they put in front of me and in the last three years I haven't really even been hit, haven't been tested, and I went 3-0 with three knockouts.”

“I'm a fighter, I've been doing it a long time, and it comes natural to me,” he said. “I'm not really worried about that stuff. I can't really say I went any rounds with those guys, but the main thing is the gym work. Everything is done in the gym and I feel confident about that. I know Zepeda's coming to fight, but skillwise I feel I'm a little more elite.”

“I learned so much from the Taylor fight and I feel like I bring a different style,” he said. “Now, it's just about being more defensive. In the last three fights, I haven't really been touched at all, so there's no punishment, and I've been defensive, but at the same time I still knocked all three of them out. I want to bring that in the ring but, of course, the dog can always come out. We're working on being smart and being defensive. I have power in both hands, so naturally, when I touch somebody, it's gonna hurt them, no matter what, so I don't have to bull rush and beat people up. If Zepeda comes in for that, then we can definitely do that. He's a dog, I'm a dog, and if we need to lock horns and fight each other, then we can do it.”

“It could be both,” he said. “I could stay at 140 for the rest of my career and try to be like an Aaron Pryor and just dominate. But honestly, I can't see myself going up to 147. There's one person that will make me go up, and that's Josh Taylor. That's it. And maybe we do a catchweight and after that come back down and stay at 140 and defend my belts. There's no telling right now. It all depends on what happens after I win the belt.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!

[Counter-puncher]

[margaret thatcher]

super good matchup, though notable lack of buzz, maybe due to being with a fringe promotion

[Ruthless-RKO]

super good matchup, though notable lack of buzz, maybe due to being with a fringe promotion

It's on FITE..

Probellum haven't even hyped it.

At least Marvnation came through unlike Triller.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jose Zepeda was involved in a car accident today.

Lucky for all of us. He was not injured.

Fights going ahead.

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Regis Prograis: 'I know I'm the best, I just need to prove it'

Nine days before Regis Prograis has his biggest fight in years, he was desperately looking for a bathroom -- while driving.

Part of the weight-cutting process involves drinking two gallons of water a day in order to make the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds. On this day, he pulled up to a Burger King for a quick stop, only to be told the restroom is only for customers.

"Obviously, I can't eat no Burger King right now," an aggravated Prograis told ESPN. "So ... yeah."

Having to relieve himself outdoors is a problem Prograis will gladly tackle -- given the past few years. Prograis is one of boxing's former champions who highlights a unique problem in the sport. Talented fighters such as Prograis who are unattached to some of boxing's marquee promotions are often caught in pugilistic purgatory -- too good for lesser opposition, too risky for big-name fights.

On Saturday, Prograis will get his crack at being a two-time champion when he faces Jose Zepeda at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California (PPV, 9 p.m. ET). A win gives him the WBC junior welterweight belt and a major opportunity to show why he deserves more marque fights in the future.

"I always tell people, boxing-wise, it's frustrating," Prograis told ESPN. "I feel like people, they try to lock me out. I tell people I'm my own boss. People don't run me. I do my own thing. I'm my own boss."

Prograis (27-1, 23 KOs) is in his biggest fight since he lost a unified title fight against Josh Taylor in October 2019, which was also the finals of a World Boxing Super Series tournament. Prograis lost a majority decision 115-113, 117-112, 114-114. After taking the IBF and WBA belt from Prograis, Taylor went on to beat Jose Ramirez to become the undisputed champion.

At the time, Prograis was promoted by DiBella Entertainment. But after the Taylor fight, he split ways with DiBella and eventually found his way to Probellum, an upstart promotional outfit spearheaded by former Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer.

Prograis gave Taylor more problems than Ramirez, who was stopped in their 2021 bout. But that didn't help Prograis either. After that fight, Prograis' opponent lineup has been underwhelming -- Juan Herladez, Ivan Redkach and most recently, Tyrone McKenna.

The New Orleans native said he was penciled in to fight on the Oleksandr Usyk-Anthony Joshua II undercard in Saudi Arabia on Aug. 20, but that fight was scrapped. There was also talk of a bout against former contender Viktor Postol.

However, once Ramirez backed out in July of a fight against Zepeda for the WBC belt because of a conflict with his October wedding, Prograis jumped on the opportunity.

Prograis was training for the potential Postol fight, but when Zepeda became available, he stopped his camp with longtime trainer Bobby Benton, went to Colombia for a week to visit his father and then restarted camp with Benton in preparation for this weekend. Essentially, Prograis said he has been training for the past six months.

"Literally, I just took that same mindset into these last three years," said Prograis, who has a gym in his home in the Houston suburb of Rosenberg, Texas. "I just kept training, training, training."

Prograis isn't alone as one of boxing's sojourners. Jaron "Boots" Ennis, who is signed with D&D Boxing, is ESPN's No. 3 welterweight and in a similar situation.

Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs) knocked out Custio Clayton in Carson, California, in May. In his postfight interview on Showtime, Ennis cited his status as the IBF's No. 1 contender and called out champion Errol Spence Jr., who was seated at ringside.

"It's time to go fishing," Ennis said, a play on Spence's proclamation as the "big fish" in the division.

But for Ennis and Prograis, reeling in the big names has been a challenge. Top Rank has held a stranglehold on the 140-pound division (Taylor, Ramirez, Teofimo Lopez Jr., to name a few), while Premier Boxing Champions has locked things up in the 147-pound class (Spence, Keith Thurman, Yordenis Ugas).

Zepeda is Prograis' best opponent since Taylor. The Californian challenged Ramirez in 2019 for the WBC belt but lost in a majority decision. Like Prograis, Zepeda wants to establish himself at the top of the division.

"I wasn't surprised at all that we got this fight," Zepeda said at a news conference in October. "We both wanted it, we both want to become world champions. Both of us need this title, we're 33 years old and in our prime. Whoever wins this title will have a life-changing experience."

Should Prograis win, he knows a potential fight against Ramirez is looming since Ramirez is the mandatory challenger. But Prograis also wants another crack at the only fighter who has beaten him as a pro.

"First on my hit list is Josh Taylor," he said.

He knows how important his opportunity on Saturday will be for the long-term arc of his career. And given the struggles of navigating boxing's politics over the past three years, it's not one that he wants to squander.

"My confidence, it never diminished," Prograis said. "I always felt the same way about myself.

"I know I'm the best, I just need to prove it. That's all."

[Cent0089]

Another underrated fight, looking forward to this

[ironbeard]

Indeed. This is no walkover. Zepeda has a legit chance. It will absolutely be an entertaining match.

[Counter-puncher]

Zepeda's sharpshooting style is an interesting style match for Prograis