Arnold Barboza Jr. Looking to Replace Liam Paro Against Regis Prograis
Two-time junior welterweight champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (28-1, 24KO) is burning up the news cycle. According to IFL TV, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn stated that opponent Liam Paro pulled out due to injury. Furthermore, he revealed that top-rated Arnold Barboza Jr (28-0, 10KO) could be the replacement.
Barboza Jr. would be taking the fight with only four weeks before the fight date of June 17. This fact doesn’t seem to be a deterrent! He took to social media with a clear message for the boxing community.
Paro (23-0, 14KO) was fortunate enough to get the chance to fight for the WBC title after Barboza Jr. declined the WBO title eliminator. Once the news hit that Prograis inked on the dotted line with Matchroom Boxing, the Aussie was revealed as his opponent.
BARBOZA JR’S OPPORTUNITY FOR A TITLE SHOT MAY HAVE ARRIVED
Barboza Jr. has been smiled upon by the boxing gods in the form of a title shot. The Californian has dropped the WBC champion’s name as part of a hitlist in his search for a title shot. With Paro out, it seems the title opportunity he has been calling for may finally become a reality.
In this author’s opinion, Prograis versus Barboza Jr. is a bigger attraction. Barboza, ranked WBC #4, is more well-known within the boxing community. It’s worth mentioning that one of the reasons Barboza Jr. walked away from the Paro fight was over the low purse bid amount. It will be interesting to see if money plays a factor in this situation, considering he will ask for compensation for taking the fight on short notice.
3kingsboxing.com will continue to monitor this situation and provide any further updates.
