Despite experiencing back-to-back defeats, former two-time junior welterweight world champion Regis Prograis has not completely ruled out the possibility of competing against the sport’s elite. However, following a disappointing performance where he was knocked down twice and ultimately lost by unanimous decision to Jack Catterall, it has become evident that the 34-year-old Prograis may be nearing the end of his professional boxing journey. This raises questions about his future in the sport, including a significant consideration: his potential candidacy for the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
After his setback against Catterall last Saturday, which followed a lackluster performance against Devin Haney where Prograis struggled throughout the fight, Prograis spoke candidly about his future in boxing. “I’ve had my time in the sun,” he said following the bout. “Now it’s time for the young ones, [to] let the young guys take over.”
Since making that statement, Prograis has walked back his retirement hints, expressing a desire to continue pursuing another world title, although Haney has publicly disagreed with this decision. Furthermore, amidst his uncertain future, Prograis has hinted at a possible venture into bare-knuckle boxing. Given his recent performances, including a split decision victory in 2023 against the relatively unknown Danielito Zorrilla, which many deemed subpar, it seems more likely that if Prograis remains active, he may end up serving as a gatekeeper in the 140-pound division rather than reclaiming championship glory.
As a proud member of the Boxing Writers Association of America since 2016, I consider it a privilege to have cast votes for the Hall of Fame over the past nine years. Should Prograis decide to retire, he would be required to wait three years before potentially appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot. When he ultimately becomes eligible, he must secure a position among the top three vote-getters or surpass the 80% threshold necessary for induction.
So, the critical question remains: Is Regis Prograis Hall of Fame worthy?
Let’s break it down.
Regis Prograis’ best wins
With a professional record of 29-3, including 24 knockouts, Prograis has garnered a reputation for his aggressive fighting style and formidable power. Throughout his career, he has achieved notable victories, demonstrating his skills by stopping fighters such as Jose Zepeda, Ivan Redkach, and Kiryl Relikh. In addition to these stoppages, he also earned decision victories over established names like Terry Flanagan and Julius Indongo, both of whom were former world champions. Despite these accomplishments, the question remains whether any of the opponents he defeated were truly A-level fighters. The jury is still out on that matter, and it’s certainly arguable that none of them are on the fast track to future Hall of Fame status.
Regis Prograis’ worst losses
The bout against Haney was particularly devastating for Prograis. Recognized as one of the pound-for-pound elite, Haney dominated the fight, leaving Prograis without any real impact in the ring. In addition to the Catterall defeat, Prograis’ only other loss occurred in 2019 against Josh Taylor in a tight contest for the unified junior welterweight title that ended in a controversial majority decision. Many observers believed Prograis deserved the win, so losing this bout remains a heart-wrenching chapter in his career. This particular defeat stings even more given that Taylor went on to become the undisputed champion after defeating Jose Ramirez. Had Prograis emerged victorious, his career trajectory could have looked significantly different.
While Prograis’ array of victories may not be deemed exceptional, his losses have not been disastrous enough to doom his chances of Hall of Fame recognition.
Regis Prograis’ intangibles
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Prograis has consistently demonstrated a charismatic presence in media interactions, proving to be an engaging personality in the lead-up to fights. While this charm might not wield abundant influence over the Hall of Fame voters, it does play its part in how he is perceived. His journey from earning less than $10,000 annually in his early career to amassing financial success—culminating in $30,000 for a Showtime fight—reflects an inspiring narrative. Prograis recalls the time when he splurged on a new Camaro and spent time in Brazil, only to find himself financially depleted shortly thereafter. “The bills caught up to me, and I went all the way back to zero,” Prograis recounted in 2020. “I had to give up my car. I went through it all.”
Regis Prograis’ Career Earnings
While earnings alone do not define Hall of Fame status, Prograis’ financial growth throughout his career serves as a noteworthy talking point. Engaging in elite competitions such as the World Boxing Super Series allowed him to earn millions from bouts against Flanagan, Relikh, and Taylor. A few years prior, Prograis expressed confidence in his financial stability, stating he’d be fine even if he did not fight again. Since then, he has reportedly made over $1 million for his fight against Zorrilla and collected another seven-figure sum for facing Zepeda, while he likely earned a similar amount from his bouts with Haney and Catterall.
With a productive career, Prograis can estimate his earnings to be close to $10 million due to various lucrative fights.
Is Regis Prograis a Hall of Famer?
Your criteria for Hall of Fame candidacy can vary significantly, highlighting the subjective nature of the voting process. Personally, my evaluation includes dominance within a division, a sustained presence among the elite fighters in their weight class, and commendable victories against top opponents of their time. Not everyone agrees that factors like popularity and earning potential should weigh in, but I believe they play a crucial role in evaluating a fighter’s significance to the sport.
Should Prograis be granted the opportunity to appear on the Hall of Fame ballot for voters to assess? Absolutely; he has enough merit to warrant consideration on that stage.
Is he a Hall of Famer at this moment? Not currently. While his tenacity and heart in the ring are undeniable, the lack of substantial A-level victories hinders his candidacy. He has not consistently been viewed as a pound-for-pound fighter, and though he has been a top contender at 140 pounds, he hasn’t reached the highest tier of elite fighters.
If Prograis had triumphed over Taylor and secured the undisputed championship, this discussion about his Hall of Fame eligibility might have taken a different turn. Instead, the judges rendered a decision that leaves him on the outside looking in, with the reality that this outcome could ultimately prevent him from achieving Hall of Fame recognition.
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**Interview with Regis Prograis: Looking Ahead After Back-to-Back Defeats**
**Editor:** Thank you, Regis, for joining us today. It’s been a challenging time for you in the ring, with losses to both Jack Catterall and Devin Haney. After the Catterall fight, you mentioned that it may be time for the younger fighters to take the reins. Can you elaborate on that thought?
**Regis Prograis:** Absolutely. I’ve had some incredible moments in my career, and I’m grateful for them. However, the recent fights have shown me that maybe it’s time to pass the torch to the younger generation. They’re hungry, and I want to see them shine.
**Editor:** Yet, soon after those statements, you hinted at wanting to chase another world title. What’s driving that desire?
**Regis Prograis:** It’s tough to let go of something you love. I still believe I have what it takes to compete at the highest levels. The last fights were disappointing, but they don’t define my entire career. There’s more in me that I want to prove.
**Editor:** Critics have suggested that you might be positioned as a gatekeeper in the 140-pound division moving forward. How do you feel about that potential role?
**Regis Prograis:** I see where they’re coming from, but I’m not ready to accept that label just yet. If I keep working hard, I believe I can still be a contender. It’s not just about where I am now; it’s about where I’m going.
**Editor:** Speaking of the future, there are whispers about you possibly entering bare-knuckle boxing. Is that something you’re seriously considering?
**Regis Prograis:** It’s an option I’m exploring. Bare-knuckle boxing has gained a lot of interest, and I think it could be exciting. But right now, my focus remains on boxing. If it comes to that, I want to make sure it’s the right move for my career.
**Editor:** On a different note, there are discussions about your potential candidacy for the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Based on your record and performances, do you think you’re Hall of Fame material?
**Regis Prograis:** That’s not for me to decide. I’ve had some great wins and some very tough losses, but what matters most is how I’m remembered. I hope to leave a legacy in the sport, whether or not I make it to the Hall of Fame.
**Editor:** With your fighters’ mentality, if you had to reflect on your journey thus far, what would be the most significant lesson you’ve learned?
**Regis Prograis:** Resilience. Boxing is a game of ups and downs, and it’s about how you respond to those challenges that truly defines you. I’m still learning and growing, and I’m excited about what’s to come.
**Editor:** Thank you, Regis. We look forward to seeing how your journey unfolds and wish you the best in your future endeavors.
**Regis Prograis:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate it.
