Regis Prograis to face Kiryl Relikh in the WBSS Semifinal!
Given all the talk over the last couple of weeks regarding Jarrell Miller, Anthony Joshua, Terence Crawford and Amir Khan, the upcoming WBSS Super Lightweight semi-final between WBA Super Lightweight champion Kiryl Relikh and Regis Prograis has been largely ignored. That’s too bad, because Relikh – Prograis is one of the more interesting fights of the year so far. Here at 3KingsBoxing, we take pride in not letting anything slide boxing-wise. With that being said, here’s our preview and prediction for Relikh and Prograis, set for April 27th in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Kiryl Relikh (23-2, 19 KOs)
Age: 29
Location: Minksk, Belarus
Making the second defense of the WBA Super Lightweight title, Relikh is as tough as they come. Even though he has good height for the division (5’9 ½”), Relikh is mainly a pressure fighter. Strong and durable, the defending champion is excellent as far as using his feet to cut off the ring on his opponent. Sporting a good inside game as well as power to boot, Relikh’s mission for every fight is breaking you down and overwhelming his opponent physically and mentally.
Keys to Victory
Relikh must find his way inside and get to Prograis with body shots. Finding a way to get the jab going would also be beneficial against his more elusive opponent. On the outside, Prograis is the faster and more skilled fighter. Therefore, it’s imperative the fighter from Belarus get close and make this a battle of attrition.
Regis Prograis (23-0, 19 KOs)
Age: 30
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
The current WBC Diamond Super Lightweight champion, Prograis has the ability to do just about everything. He can stand on the outside, be a slick-ster, and box. The New Orleans native also can stand in the pocket and engage on the inside. Also, Prograis can do both with power. While he can be hit, the cocky fighter from Louisiana makes up for his minor defensive lapses with his offensive arsenal.
Keys to Victory
Get the jab going, set the pace, and bring the pain. Relikh throws punches in bunches and has elite stamina. Can Prograis deal with the consistent pressure he will face in this fight? Will he be able to hurt Relikh who has never been down in his professional career? If he can hurt the WBA champion early, watch out!
Prediction
Both Relikh and Prograis are facing the toughest opponents of their careers. On paper, this could be an all-action fight. While the WBA champion is hard as nails, he can be hit. This leaves him open for Prograis, who may be the hardest puncher in the division.
Kiryl Relikh will attempt to take Regis Prograis into deep water. The Louisiana native will be tested for sure; tested more than any of his previous fights. However, the fighter known as “Rougarou” will prove he has the goods. The skill and power of Prograis, coupled with the defensive liabilities of Relikh will be the difference. Regis Prograis wins this fight by decision in what should be a terrific contest.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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