Showtime Fight Preview

Regis Prograis vs. Julius Indongo

On March 9 the undefeated, power-punching prospect Regis Prograis (20-0, 17 KO) will have his first chance to capture a title.  Prograis will be taking on veteran Julius Indongo (22-1, 11 KO) in a fight scheduled to go 12 rounds with an interim WBC junior welterweight title up for grabs.  

Prograis getting his hand raised in victory

A mainstay of the Showtime program ShoBox: The New Generation, Prograis has been steadily making a name for himself.  He is a southpaw with plus power who can do damage with both hands.  Somewhat quietly Prograis has become a dangerous offensive fighter without much of the fanfare similar fighters have garnered.  

The 29-year-old has a very stiff jab and a strong left hand and those weapons have enabled him to stop his last five opponents before the final bell.  While his resume lacks serious name recognition he has faced quality opponents and always gives a strong account of his skill set.  While Indongo is a step up in competition he is also fresh off a knockout loss at the hands of Terence Crawford.

Indongo landing a jab on Terence Crawford

This will only be the second time the 35-year-old Indongo will fight in the United States with most of his career fights taking place in his native Namibia.  Indongo is also a southpaw and while he's tough, he just doesn't have the type of punching power that Prograis does.  

Indongo does have the experience advantage, having already fought Crawford and former champion Ricky Burns.  The Namibian has a measuring stick jab but does most of his damage with his left hand.  While his left can be heavy it can also get wild which will be dangerous against an accurate puncher like Prograis.

Certainly Prograis is hoping that this fight will be a coming out party of sorts.  Meanwhile, Indongo will just be looking to rebound from a bad loss to Crawford.  Outside of experience Prograis has seemingly every advantage.  He's younger, heavier handed, and more fluid in the ring.  There is no telling how a pugilist handles his first true step up fight but expect Prograis to handle it competently.

PREDICTION: Regis Prograis is simply too talented not to win this fight.  Julius Indongo is a tough opponent but he's much older and fresh off a knockout loss.  It may take him more than a couple of rounds but Prograis will get the win with a fifth round knockout.