NEW ORLEANS -- There will be a lot on the line for both Regis Prograis (21-0, 18 KOs) and Juan Jose Velasco (20-0, 12 KOs) on July 14. The two will meet on ESPN in Prograis' hometown of New Orleans and on the line with be Prograis' interim WBC junior welterweight title. Making things even more interesting is the fact that the winner of that fight will secure a slot in the World Boxing Super Series.
Prograis has quickly become one of the biggest punchers in boxing. Since turning pro in 2012 only three of his fights have ended with both fighters still standing after the final round. The New Orleans native known as 'Rougarou' fights out of the southpaw stance and likes to leave his lead hand low. He has a stiff jab and a short right hook that is a devastating punch. The 29-year-old also has a powerful overhand left and although he will get off balance at times and can leave his chin exposed, he's probably better defensively than he gets credit for.
The one thing Prograis lacks as of now is a marquee name on his resume. He has knocked out quality opponents in Julius Indongo, Joel Diaz Jr., and Aaron Herrera though and continues to hunt for bigger names, most notable Jose Ramirez. Currently Prograis is riding a six fight knockout streak and before his last decision victory he also had an eight fight knockout streak. Certainly bigger fights are in the near future for Prograis and getting into the World Boxing Super Series would help raise his profile even higher, but first he will need to handle business against Velasco.
Velasco is an orthodox fighter who works behind a stiff jab he likes to work upstairs and to the body. Along with his stiff jab Velasco also has a crisp straight right hand along with a good left hook. He will also unleash uppercuts from time to time with very bad intentions. While most fighters from Argentina are known for being big punchers who can be wild at times, Velasco is the opposite. He isn't the biggest puncher but he is a very accurate puncher and has the ability to switch from the orthodox stance to southpaw where he also fights well.
If the knock against Prograis is lack his resume lacks any marquee names the same most be said for Velasco. Most of Velasco's fights have come in his native Argentina against limited opposition. He has been very active in recent years though. While Prograis fought twice in 2017 and once already in 2018, Velasco fought four times in 2017 and twice already in 2018. Velasco will have to rely on that activity because Prograis represents a serious step up in competition for him.
Prograis and Velasco are similar fighters. Both are skilled with either hand and both are accurate punchers. One wrinkle that Velasco could and should employ is his ability to switch stances, which could frustrate Prograis, especially since Prograis says he doesn't like watching tape of his opponents. However, Prograis does have a serious power advantage so if Velaso tries to stand and trade he could find himself on the canvas. Velasco has gotten off the deck to win fights before but he has never faced a puncher like Prograis.
PREDICTION: Juan Jose Velasco is a good fighter and fighting Regis Prograis on ESPN should help raise his profile among boxing fans. However, Prograis has fought at a higher level and is by far the bigger puncher. The power of Prograis will be the difference in this fight and he will knock Velasco out in the seventh round.
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| Prograis dropping Julius Indongo |
The one thing Prograis lacks as of now is a marquee name on his resume. He has knocked out quality opponents in Julius Indongo, Joel Diaz Jr., and Aaron Herrera though and continues to hunt for bigger names, most notable Jose Ramirez. Currently Prograis is riding a six fight knockout streak and before his last decision victory he also had an eight fight knockout streak. Certainly bigger fights are in the near future for Prograis and getting into the World Boxing Super Series would help raise his profile even higher, but first he will need to handle business against Velasco.
Velasco is an orthodox fighter who works behind a stiff jab he likes to work upstairs and to the body. Along with his stiff jab Velasco also has a crisp straight right hand along with a good left hook. He will also unleash uppercuts from time to time with very bad intentions. While most fighters from Argentina are known for being big punchers who can be wild at times, Velasco is the opposite. He isn't the biggest puncher but he is a very accurate puncher and has the ability to switch from the orthodox stance to southpaw where he also fights well.
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| Velasco landing a straight right hand |
Prograis and Velasco are similar fighters. Both are skilled with either hand and both are accurate punchers. One wrinkle that Velasco could and should employ is his ability to switch stances, which could frustrate Prograis, especially since Prograis says he doesn't like watching tape of his opponents. However, Prograis does have a serious power advantage so if Velaso tries to stand and trade he could find himself on the canvas. Velasco has gotten off the deck to win fights before but he has never faced a puncher like Prograis.
PREDICTION: Juan Jose Velasco is a good fighter and fighting Regis Prograis on ESPN should help raise his profile among boxing fans. However, Prograis has fought at a higher level and is by far the bigger puncher. The power of Prograis will be the difference in this fight and he will knock Velasco out in the seventh round.
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