Regis Prograis is coming off a failed title defense against Devin Haney last year, but still wants another shot at the IBF super lightweight title now held by Liam Paro. The Queenslander snatched the title after his odds defying victory over heavily fancied Subriel Matias at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Manati. Going in, Matias had everything going for him—many even described him as the boogeyman of the division.
However, after a slow start to conserve his energy for the later rounds, Paro started leading the scorecard. Even though Matais came alive during the middle rounds to execute his plan, like he has done so many times before, Paro was ready and despite a point seduction in the seventh, Paro won the fight via unanimous decision. However, what’s next for the Aussi? Regis Prograis thinks it’s him!
Fight call out or a desperate cry for help?
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After the fight concluded in Puerto Rico, Prograis swiftly hopped on X, writing, “Congratulations champ!! Let’s do it now” while sharing a mock fight poster. See, the thing is, Prograis was thinking Matias would win easily, but after a shock decision, Paro became his new target! However, the question is, does he deserve a title shot just after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Devin Haney?
Regis Prograis only landed 36 punches on Devin Haney according to the punch stats, meaning he has broken Edwin De Los Santos’ record (40 vs Shakur Stevenson) for the lowest number of punches landed in a 12-round fight ever recorded by CompuBox.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 10, 2023
Prograis didn’t just lose the fight, he lost the fight by a huge margin! Throughout the fight, he never looked like he could have a chance. Haney just outboxed and outperformed the former champion. In fact, Prograis’ performance had set a record for the least amount of punches landed in a 12 round bout! So, learning about the challenge, fans quickly took to the comment section to express their disdain!
Regis Prograis vs. Liam Paro: A fight in Australia?
While many were outraged by Prograis’ callout, others supported it and some even highlighted how Prograis would have scrambled to change his mock fight poster after the surprise result. One user highlighted the same while mocking Prograis for it. Last minute or not, it’s entirely up to Paro whether he wants to fight Prograis.
I know your team was scrambling to change mattias to paro on this pic once the upset happened. 😭
— Xanthony Davis (@PretttyFlackooo) June 16, 2024
The next user was supportive of Prograis’ decision, suggesting the fight should happen in Australia! And since Paro is the new champion, it very well might!
This would be a good fight in Australia!
— Latinoheat.510 🇲🇽 (@Latinoheat_510) June 16, 2024
However, this user was against the fight happening—highlighting Prograis is coming off a failed title defense, so he doesn’t deserve another right after. While such fights happening is rare, it’s not impossible, and it depends upon what Liam Paro wants.
You’re just coming off a titleshot though. Another one would be undeserved
— KidoNZ (@KidoLFC8) June 16, 2024
The next user highlighted how Prograis changed his mind from wanting to fight Matias to wanting to fight Paro. In fact, Prograis even said he is coming for Matias’ title before the fight in a social media post.
Now that paro win you want to fight for the ibf 🤣
— Bashment (@Inches12) June 16, 2024
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Meanwhile, this user seemed to support the idea but warned Prograis that Paro was no joke and Prograis might not have the skills to beat the Australian.
This will be a good scrap champ
And I’m rooting for you
But Paro ain’t no joke son!!
Idk ya feet may be too flat for him my bwoy !!!— MrVybz n’ Boxing (@Mrvybz_sb) June 16, 2024
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No one quite knows what’s next for Liam Paro after his breakthrough victory over Subriel Matias! He could try to unify the division or start defending his title, and Prograis might not be a bad start. What do you think? Does Prograis deserve a title shot?