Regis 'Rougarou' Prograis, WBC interim super lightweight champion, will make his hometown debut at the UNO Lakefront Arena on ESPN, July 14th. One week after the city catches fire with "Essence Festival," the 'Rougarou' will keep the heart of the city thriving with world class boxing.
(Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing)
Prograis (21-0, 18 KOs), born in New Orleans, moved to Houston after Hurricane Katrina like many people in the Gulf Region. While in Houston, Prograis trained at the great Evander Holyfield's gym, with future world champions, Jermall and Jermell Charlo. In March, the 'Rougarou' came for Julius Indongo in Round 2, resulting in a TKO victory.
The heart of a New Orleanian is always pulled back to the Crescent City, its culture and people. Prograis spoke to media about New Orleans and Boxing:
"Boxing is not as big in New Orleans because the kids don’t see it. I want to be the person that they see, that they know they have a champion in New Orleans. Boxing is big right now in New York and Las Vegas, but I’m telling you that I’m going to change it. It’s going to boost the economy and everybody in the world will come back to New Orleans. Ali fought here, Duran fought here, Sugar Ray Leonard fought here and I’m going to bring it back. I’d like to thank everybody for coming. One of the main things you can do if you want to bring big time boxing back to New Orleans is come to the fight on July 14. That’s all you have to do, come to the fight.”
"Every time I think of New Orleans, I think of its culture and the people. There is a such a strong culture in New Orleans and our fans are so loyal. The Saints can lose every game, and we’re still going to be in the Superdome every weekend. I just want to inspire the kids."
(Photo: Regis Prograis Instagram - "WeDats")
Regis Prograis is a true personification of Louisiana. "Rougaro" is a legendary man turned werewolf, that roams the swamps of the Boot. Not only does he represent the city through his name, he represents a generation of youth (and adults) who were forced to move from their homes and continue their lives in states like Texas, Georgia, and Florida.
July 14th, another New Orleans story comes full circle and places boxer Regis Prograis on the lakefront of Lake Pontchartrain, on the campus of University Of New Orleans. On the undercard, Top Rank Boxing's Teofimo Lopez (9-0, 7 KOs) will face William Silva (25-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight bout.
(Photo: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing)
Regis Prograis will fight for a global audience on ESPN with his city of New Orleans behind him. In front of him, the World Boxing Super Series and possibly a fight with the WBC Champion Jose Ramirez (22-0, 16 KOs). First, Prograis must deliver against Velasco.
We're CHAMPSIDE in New Orleans when the Big Easy embraces it's next champion, Regis "Rougarou" Prograis.
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