Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis – Results & Post-Fight Report

Regis Prograis became a two-time world champion, as he took the vacant WBC super lightweight title with an eleventh round knockout of Jose Zepeda at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson.

Prograis (28-1, KO24) had reigned as WBA (Super) champion previously, before losing his belt in a war with Josh Taylor in 2019, but was coming off three straight wins since. Zepeda (35-3, KO27) had challenged for world titles twice before, losing at lightweight and super lightweight, but had won five on the spin since losing to Jose Carlos Ramirez in 2019.

After a couple of feeling out rounds it was down to business with Prograis getting the better of his opponent with speed and movement in the third. Zepeda was struggling to get into the contest, and he was cut by a clash of heads in the fourth which didnt help his cause. Prograis timing was winning the day, and after successful rounds five and six, Prograis’ rhythm was giving him a handy lead, despite Zepeda’s corner telling their man he was ahead. Zepeda showed more aggression in the eighth, and round ten saw his best frame to date, bloodying Prograis’ nose, and landing with a left hook that troubled ‘Rougarou’.

The end came swiftly in penultimate round though, as Prograis landed with a straight right and a left hook that forced Zepeda to hold himself up by the ropes, and a follow up attack put him on the canvas, where the fight was waved off.

The second world title fight on the card went to Yokesta Valle (27-2, KO9), who added the IBF and WBO light flyweight titles to her minimum weight titles with the same organisations with a majority decision victory against Evelin Nazarena Bermudez (17-1-1, KO6). Scores of 99-91 and 97-93 were good enough for Valle to become new champion, with a third 95-95 card deemed un-required.

2020 Olympic Gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov (12-0, KO12) remained perfect, as the heavyweight floored Curtis Harper (14-9, KO9) twice en route to a fourth round knockout win.

Charles Conwell (18-0, KO13) also stayed undefeated, but had to settle for a majority verdict win against Juan Carlos Abreu (25-7-1, KO23) at middleweight. A 95-95 scorecard was overruled by two votes for Conwell at 98-92 and 96-94.

In eight round action, Ruben Torres (19-1, KO16) lost his unbeaten record, as he lost a split decision to Eduardo Estela (14-1, KO9) at lightweight. Torres was knocked down in the opening round, and Estela took the win by scores of 76-75 and 78-73, with Torres taking a 76-75 tally.

Nathan Rodriguez (10-0, KO7) dropped Jerson Ortiz (17-6, KO8) twice on the way to a wide points wi at featherweight.

There were plenty of knockouts in the six rounders.

Fernando Vargas (7-0, KO7) remained perfect, as he halted Alejandro Martinez (3-3-1, KO2) in the second round at super welterweight, and at super featherweight, Austin Brooks (9-0, KO3) stopped Jesus Roman (8-6, KO3) in three.Eric Priest (9-0, KO7) needed less than a round to deal with Luis Alberto Vera (11-22-2, KO1) at middleweight, while at welterweight, Jacob Macalolooy (4-0, KO3) knocked out Terrance Jarmon (3-2, KO1) in round two.

Amado Vargas (5-0, KO2) took a four round decision win at Osmar Olmos Hernandez (1-2, KO0) at featherweight.