Regis Prograis Considering Move To 147: “I’m Tired Of Being Skinny”

Regis Prograis says he’s considering a move up to 147 to reinvent himself in this weight class after 12 years of fighting at 140. The former WBA/WBC light welterweight champion Prograis (29-3, 24 KOs) feels it’s time to move up to make it easier to make weight.

Fighting at welterweight would open up many opportunities for Prograis because the division is wide open, and he has an excellent chance of capturing a world title almost immediately.

Regis Needs a Quality Matchmaker

Prograis needs to be matched better by his promoter to keep him away from runners and pure boxers like he’s been facing in his last three fights because he lacks the foot speed to cut off the ring. Until signing with Eddie Hearn, the New Orleans native Prograis had been matched punchers for the most part during his career.

Hearn changed the formula, matching him against three consecutive boxers, and the results were poor. He didn’t follow what Prograis’ other promoter had done, and he’s done poorly since signing with the British promoter.

Although Prograis made good money in his three fights since inking with Hearn, his career has gone downhill, and he now needs better guidance from his promoter.

Champions at 147:

Mario Barrios: WBC
Eimantas Stanionis: WBA
Brian Norman Jr: WBO
Jaron Ennis: IBF

Prograis will need to be positioned to fight for a world title at welterweight, but it shouldn’t be that difficult. With his name recognition and the recent times he’s had recently, other promoters will be open to matching their fighters against him.

These would be good options for Prograis to fight at 147 to climb the rankings: Lewis Crocker, Alexis Rocha, Paddy Donovan, and Conor Benn. If Prograis’ contract with Hearn is up, he can sign with Golden Boy or Top Rank, and they’ll match him well against sluggers rather than the runners. That’s what Prograis needs to get back to where he was.