Prograis massive favourite to retain WBC title

Regis Prograis “Rogarou” is a massive favourite to retain his WBC junior welterweight title against Danielito Zorilla from Puerto Rico at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday night.

Prograis, 34, from America has a record of 28-1; 24 and won the vacant WBC title with a win over Jose Zepeda in November last year.

He now defends against the 29-year-old Zorilla (17-1; 13), who has come in as a late substitute and is listed at No 20 in the latest WBC ratings.

The 29-year-old Zorilla is a powerful puncher with a 76 per cent knockout ratio and has scored wins against Pablo Cesar Cano and Gamaliel Diaz.

The only loss on his record came against Arnold Barboza Jnr, losing on points over 10 rounds.

The champion, who fights from the southpaw stance made his pro debut in 2016, was a good amateur before joining the professional ranks and has power in both hands.

The only loss on his record came against Josh Taylor on a majority points decision in a clash for the WBA/WBC/IBF titles. He goes into the fight as a 15/2 favourite.

The more experienced Prograis will not have it easy against Zorilla, but should have enough experience and skill to emerge as the winner on points over 12 rounds.

However, there are some pundits who are predicting an inside-the-distance win for the champion.

The other main organisation champions are Subriel Matias (IBF), Rolando Romero (WBA) and Teofimo Lopez (WBO).

NONTSHINGA TO DEFEND IBF TITLE

South Africa’s Sivenathi Nontshinga (11-0; 9) is scheduled to make the first defence of his IBF light flyweight title against the mandatory challenger Filipino Reggie Suganob (13-0; 4) on Sunday, July 2 at the International Convention Centre in East London.

Nontshinga is the only South African fighter to hold one of the main organisation titles.

The tournament will be shown live on Supersport.