Regis Prograis and Jose Zepeda could clash for vacant WBC title
Undefeated undisputed junior welterweight champion Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor currently sits atop the mountain contemplating his next move. The boxing world wants to see him move up and lock horns with WBO Welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford. If the undisputed champion does move up looking for glory, it opens things up for two fighters, in particular: WBC number one contender Jose “Chon” Zepeda (34-2, 26ko) and former WBA champion/WBC number two rated fighter Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (26-1, 22ko).
Zepeda is a two-time title contender who lost an opportunity to win a title on both occasions. The first time was against Terry Flanagan for the vacant WBO title. He suffered a dislocated shoulder in the second round, resulting in the fight being stopped back in 2015. In 2019, after four long years of climbing back up the championship ladder, he came up short again in a second shot at a title against then WBC champion Jose Ramirez.
He currently holds the top spot with the WBC and is primed for a third shot at the title. On May 22, Zepeda was in action against former title contender Henry “Hank” Lundy. Although his performance was unimpressive, he still managed to pick up the victory.
Rougarou is a former WBA champion and wants to hold a title once again in the division. He would like to fight the undisputed champion and avenge his first career defeat from when they fought in the World Boxing Super Series in October 2019. Both men have been at each other’s throats since their fight via social media. Prograis insists he is still the only man to give Taylor problems. He also points out how bad he made the eye of the undisputed champ look during their fight.
Rougarou took to social media, calling for the rematch in the aftermath of Taylor’s hard-fought victory over Ramirez.
Prograis currently sits in the number two slot of the WBC rankings. His wish of being a junior welterweight champion again is within reach, but it just may not be against Taylor.
By: Garrisson Bland
