Regis Prograis Explains Why He TURNED DOWN Offer From Top Rank To Sign A 3 Fight Deal With Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing
“Eddie’s Just Giving Me So Much” Regis Prograis On Matchroom Deal Compared To Offer Made By Top Rank
WBC World Super-Lightweight champion Regis Prograis signed a 3-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, it was confirmed yesterday on the Canelo-Ryder DAZN broadcast.
The two-time 140-pound champion will make the first defence of his title against Australian southpaw Liam Paro on home soil at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Saturday, June 17.
READ: Regis Prograis Signs 3 Fight Deal With Eddie Hearn, Fights June 17 Against Liam Paro
Fans were somewhat surprised with this signing as they expected Prograis to lean towards Bob Arum’s Top Rank due to their depth at 140, but Prograis mentioned on the broadcast and interviews that he feels Matchroom is the place for him and explained in depth to Ringside Views why that is the case.
“TR offered me a longer contract, Matchroom offered me a shorter contract.” The reported deal with Top Rank was five fights in comparison to the three fights offered by Matchroom. Prograis did not want to commit to a longer deal and preferred the flexibility offered by Hearn.
“The fighters I want to fight at TR are (Jose) Ramirez, Josh Taylor, Teofimo (Lopez),” Prograis admitted. “Ramirez has one fight left at TR – would I be guaranteed him? Idk. I don’t think Ramirez will ever fight me.”
“Teo, he already said he’s not going to ESPN anymore. This might be his last fight at TR and Josh Taylor might go to 147. Who am I left with over at TR?” Prograis doesn’t believe the perceived stable depth at 140 is as accurate as often portrayed with the future of the top talent at TR unknown after their next fight.
“All those fights I named, Eddie can make those fights happen.” Bob Arum has also confirmed that he would be willing to make fights with Prograis even if the American didn’t sign with him, although that is much easier said than done.
Prograis was a fan of the speed at which Matchroom worked and the emphasis on activity, revealing that they made his next fight before he even signed the contract with them.
The 34-year-old wants to unify and fight the best fighters in the division and believes that can happen at Matchroom. “We are trying to get Matias. That’s the fight I want. From what I understand, they trying to grab him.”
NoSmokeSport.com has learnt that Matchroom is attempting to sign the IBF champion Subriel Matias and that could be an in-house unification for Prograis.
“I can make more in 3 fights with Matchroom than in 4 fights with Top Rank. If I got in that TR deal, I would’ve gotten stuck in those minimums. If they give you a minimum, that’s probably going to be your maximum.”
The financial incentive at MR was obviously a factor even though the overall TR deal was more lucrative. It appears that the money for Prograis’ three fights at Hearn’s Matchroom is guaranteed and the American knows exactly what he will take home.
“I like the freedom. Matchroom is about believing in myself. The first two fights are not going to be high marquee names, that third fight… could be Matias Unification.”
“After 3 fights, I’m out of the deal and I got two belts at 140. 3 fights in 10 months.” Prograis expects the three fights in his deal to be completed within ten months meaning by next April he will be out of contract again and an active fighter, potentially with two belts.
“With Matchroom, Eddie just giving me so much. I’m gonna have the ability to put whoever I want on my Undercard. I’m not gonna be an employee, me and Eddie’s gonna be partners. That’s the power you want”
Regis Prograis emphasises the importance of something Eddie Hearn has repeatedly pushed in that signing with Matchroom allows the fighter to control the show they fight on and make decisions usually made by the promoter. Prograis feels with TR he would’ve been an employee rather than a ‘partner’.
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