Regis Prograis Pulls Out of WBSS Super Lightweight Tournament!
In a stunning development, WBA super lightweight champion Regis Prograis has decided to withdraw from the WBSS tournament final. The match was to be a unification showdown against IBF super lightweight champion Josh Taylor.
While an announcement of the final had yet to surface, it was anticipated the fight would take place no later than October.
3KingsBoxing has learned that Prograis, along with his promoter, Lou DiBella, filed a federal lawsuit today in a New Jersey US District Court against the promoter of the WBSS Tournament, Comosa AG.
They are seeking release from their contract with the WBSS due to claims of repeatedly missed deadlines and obligations by the WBSS. This includes securing a date for the fight against Taylor, as well as promised financial obligation.
The crux of the lawsuit revolves around Comosa AG’s failure to comply with three pre-payment or escrow requirements. They were obligated to deposit the following funds with a neutral party:
- a $500,000 deposit by August 1
- a second deposit of $500,000 by August 12
- a final $500,000 deposit by September 12
Furthermore, the bout against Taylor was to take place no later than October 7, according to an escrow agreement.
UNRELENTING PROBLEMS
The lawsuit alleges that Comosa AG has not lived up to their end of the bargain. The lawsuit alleges they have yet to deliver on the first payment owed to Prograis. Furthermore through email records, DiBella Entertainment says that not only are they willing to comply to the contract of the escrow agreement, they now want to move the WBSS final up one week to September 28!
UPDATE 8/10/2019: A Statement From The WBSS
Comosa AG and the WBSS tournament has been riddled with financial issue from the very beginning. Tournament participants have outwardly expressed their frustrations about how the tournament has been handled. This lawsuit may represent the final straw.
Therefore, it looks as if what would have been a terrific final between arguably the top two fighters in the division will not happen. It’s a shame, both for the fighters and for boxing fans as well.
As always stay tuned in to 3KingsBoxing for all updates on this developing situation.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
