Regis Prograis Beats Danielito Zorrilla Via Split Decision In An Underwhelming Performance
Regis Prograis kept his WBC super-lightweight title, beating Danielito Zorrilla in a split-decision victory.
In the initial round, the titleholder was knocked down after Zorrilla’s right hand forced its way through.
STARTING OFF HOT 😯#PrograisZorrilla pic.twitter.com/60rRjPkZ6e
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 18, 2023
The referee, however, deemed it a slip incorrectly, but with the American feeling humiliated, Prograis tried to take back the initiative.
He was successful in his attempt, culminating in a swift left-hand that floored Zorrilla in the third, despite the latter’s best attempt to dodge the punch.
Regis Prograis punches through Danielito Zorrilla and knocks him down 💥#PrograisZorrilla pic.twitter.com/5B5r7oz5KN
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 18, 2023
At the midpoint of the battle, the reigning champ had managed to regain his footing, yet the lack of activity in the fight showed as Prograis felt the pressure in his hometown.
During the latter period of the bout, Zorrilla persevered without really hurting the champion.
Despite Prograis’ efforts to up the ante in the later rounds of the fight, Zorrilla was not stopped before the final bell, as he won on all three judges’ cards: 118-109, 117-110, 113-114.
Next Steps
The success Prograis has achieved opens up numerous possibilities. One potential huge battle could take place with Devin Haney if the undisputed lightweight champion opts to make the move up to 140 lbs.
Negotiations between Eddie Hearn and Prograis and Haney have reportedly already been initiated.
Additionally, a fight with the IBF champion Subriel Matias is another potential possibility.
Meanwhile, The WBO title once held by Teofimo Lopez is now available after he relinquished it in the wake of his victory against Josh Taylor.
Post Fight
“New Orleans, I’m sorry. I wanted to put on a little better performance. When you come back for hometown fights, they make you so nervous.
“I was in my hotel room, I was nervous. Usually when I’m fighting on the road and I’m not here, I stay in the hotel the whole time. This time I went out before the fight. Hometown fights – they’re the worst, bro.
“I kept pressing the action, but he ran around the whole time. I definitely have to go back to the gym and work on some things.
“He ran and he tried to survived. He was stronger than I thought and he caught me with some punches, but he just ran around. It was kind of hard to get to him.”
“They have a lot of great fights [at 140]. There’s [Devin] Haney. I don’t know what’s going on with Teo. There’s Matias. There’s Rolly, but Rolly is terrible to me.
“I really don’t want to fight Rolly. There’s Ryan Garcia. We’ll see what’s happening next,” Prograis
Regardless of what the case may be, Prograis will have to do better if he is to unify the division moving forward. And there is no getting away from that.
Full Card
Regis Prograis def. Danielito Zorrilla by split decision (118-109, 113-114, 117-110)
Shakhram Giyasov def. Harold Calderon by unanimous decision (120-108, 118-110, 116-112)
Julissa Alejandra Guzman def. Ramla Ali by KO (R8 at 0:42)
Jeremy Hill def. Mark Davis by TKO (R4 at 1:29)
Ginny Fuchs def. Indeya Smith by unanimous decision (79-73, 80-72, 80-72)
Xavier Madrid def. Aaron Aponte by split decision (73-78, 76-75, 76-75)
Criztec Bazaldua def. Elroy Fruto by unanimous decision (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
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