“I’ve had my time in the sun; now it’s time for the young ones… I might go to bare-knuckle,” said Regis Prograis as he gathered his thoughts following the rout at the hands of Jack Catterall on Saturday night. But seemingly better sense kicked in. He experienced a change of heart and mind. The New Orleans-born Southpaw, who will turn thirty-six in January, probably believes that his stars might continue to shine in boxing, at least for some more time. So if the light welterweight has shunned him out, why not try his luck in the divisions above?

On October 26, Prograis returned to the ring over ten months after Devin Haney snatched away his WBC super lightweight championship. Though a non-title bout, it was fairly crucial for his career. Unfortunately, in front of Jack Catterall’s slick moves, he slumped, failing to find any answers. He acknowledged that a ‘better man’ won the fight and suggested that perhaps his days boxing were nearing an end. But as an option, he hinted at trying a hand in bare-knuckle fights. Soon enough, he received a welcome from the BKFC boss, Conor McGregor, albeit one laced with caution. Now there is a whole turnaround. Probably staying put in the sport where he became a two-time champion might work. Jack Catterall, not far off, thought that Prograis’ idea was quite prudent.

Regis Prograis: A shuffle between the Arenas

Though laughing, Regis Prograis shared that perhaps it was high time he should change weight classes. “I’m tired of being skinny,” he added. Probably he is right. Many fans noticed how he came off against Devin Haney following the final weigh-ins.

Needless to say, a range of suggestions and counsel followed. One even mentioned a matchup against UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria! A few told him to improve his techniques. Now, given the sound beating he gave, many would have expected Jack Catterall to taunt Prograis. But they were in for a disappointment. Showing pure class, the Chorley-born southpaw expressed full support for ‘Rougarou’s idea.

Now one might admire Regis Prograis for showing courage in the ring and outside, but 147 pounds? Let us remember people; this is the division where Jaron Ennis and Brian Norman Jr. rule the roost. Thankfully, Terence Crawford is no longer around. As a 36-year-old, whether Prograis would be able to withstand challenges of that caliber remains to be seen.

Then, going back to the bare-knuckle thing, ‘The Notorious’ laid out a clear and present danger explicitly.

You may join, but at your own risk!

In what appears to be a deleted post, UFC’s first two-division champion said, “We already have one two-time boxing world champion who has, and he is now World Champion Bare Knuckle Welterweight Champion!” We would welcome! It’s not bare-knuckle boxing, however; make sure and take note of this. It is bare knuckle fighting.”

Further explaining, the part-owner of the BKFC said that in bare-knuckle fighting, the fighters begin in the center of the ring, behind a line. So they face each other directly. Then, unlike traditional boxing, the sport permits clinch fighting.

Calling bare-knuckle fighting the ‘most entertaining bang for buck show on the market today’, Conor McGregor pointed out what the fighters who began their careers fighting in the franchise felt about those who joined laterally, often from other combat sports. As a result, they often try to defend their place intensely.

So Regis Prograis has a whale of time to think and weigh his options. He hasn’t clarified which weight class he intends to move into—whether the one immediately above or some other. Nevertheless, at his age, he has to be cognizant of the risks involved and take a prudent decision.

What do you feel? Do you think Regis Prograis might have a chance at a higher weight class?