Regis Prograis KOs Zepeda

Regis Prograis Wins and Yoka Too at Dignity Health Sports Park

By Lauren Rodriguez

(Photos by Al Applerose)

CARSON, CA.- The temperature was low, but the ring sizzled at the Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday night as a battle of the champions ensued.

The main showdown was a WBC super lightweight championship between Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) and Jose Zepeda (36-3, 27 KOs) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. MarvNation Promotions and Legendz Entertainment were the promoters.

Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana and fighting out of Houston Texas, Prograis entered the stage in white shorts trimmed in gold. Zepeda, a fan favorite was in his home of Los Angeles County, wearing black shorts trimmed in the colors of

Mexico.

The first power punch of the match was given by Zepeda, the sound igniting the crowd's cheers. Regis seemed hesitant, failing to use his leverage in position at many times as he pulled back his hand. It was in the third round that Regis picked up speed and intensity, stunning Zepeda into a corner with a hefty left hook.

As the rounds progressed, Regis seemed to lead the match. Using his right hand to move Zepeda around the ring it was the underdog of the night who began inciting gasps from the crowd before Zepeda began to match intensity.

The crowd cheered for Zepeda as their fighter was met by solid counters at every punch. In round 7 a gush of blood poured from Prograis ear and it was unclear if the damage would undo his hard work in the rounds before.

Zepeda fired back up as the match continued, punishing Prograis but ultimately tiring out as well leaving an opportunity for Prograis to progress.

It was in the 11th round that a right hand straight jab knocked Zepeda's head back before Prograis moved him toward the ropes, clocking him with a left hook and a hail of blows that sent Zepeda falling against the corner. The bout was called to an end at 59 seconds of round 11, naming a new WBC lightweight champion and two-time world champion, Regis Prograis. Prograis improves to (28-1, 24 KO’s).

The next opponents for Prograis are inevitably lined up for the champion. A relayed message in the post press conference congratulated the fighter and spoke of a hopeful matchup in the near future. The message sender, Jose Carlos Ramirez (27-1, 17 KOs).

“Ramírez has been ducking me for five years, but now I got this [belt] and he wants to fight,” said Prograis.

The new champion is eager to fight those who’ve dodged him prior to his win but hopes to enjoy a long vacation before returning back to training.

Yoka Wins

In the co-main event, a clash between Yokasta Valle (27-2, 9 KOs) and Evelyn Bermúdez (17–1-1, 6 KO’s) for the IBF and WBO world light flyweight title.

The 10 round battle held viewers on the edge of their seats as the women warriors made every second of the two-minute rounds count. Defending her titles, Bermudez kept the match close, giving Valle an almost perfect challenge and the audience a much deserved show. The two brawled and boxed, Yokasta ultimately landing more punches on her opponent. Bermudez’s right cross battered Valle in the 5th round but it was in the 6th that Valles overhand blows began to daze Bermudez.

The two went combo for combo and no attempt went unchallenged by the other. The 10 round bout was. Scored. 95-95, 99-91, 97-93, the majority score in favor of Yokasta Valle who added a new and third division of conquest under her belt. Valle improves to (7-2, 9 KOs).

Earlier in the week Valle had tunnel visions on her opponent and added to her titles. The Costa Rican fighter is now ready to face whoever wants to face her as she is the champion seeking out champions.

“I’ve always said I want to fight the best, if not Seniesa Estrada (23-0, 9 KOs) then whoever wants it,” said Valle.

Valle plans to soak in her victory merely a week before returning back to training as she hopes to continue dominating her division.

“I still want to be the best, I need to keep training so one week off and I’m back at it again. I’m still getting stronger and better.”

Other bouts

In the heavyweight division bout between Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) and Bakhodir Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) a scheduled 10 rounds was cut short at the 4th. Jololov towered over everyone in the ring, where he had length, his opponent Harper appeared to be solid in weight. Jalolov used his length to his advantage, easily moving in and out of his opponent’s range without suffering any impactful damage. It was in the third round that a left cross to the face knocked Harper down. Unwilling to accept defeat, Harper rose before the 10 second mark and continued in the next round. The fourth round solidified Harper's demise as he was met with a blow to the head that led him to the corner of the ring where he suffered a combination that left him on his knees. The match was determined to be a KO of the 4th round, Jololov as winner. Jololov improves to 12 undefeated wins.

In the super welterweight division, a semi final WBC eliminator between Juan Carlos Abreu and Charles “Bad News” Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) was a bloody vision. The match began with confusion as “Merengue's” mouthpiece was missing from his mouth as the commencement bell rang. Almost immediately in the 2nd round, Conwell suffered a major cut right above his left eye. The blood spill into his eye was profuse, hindering the fighter from his full potential.

Although unable to fight freely without impaired vision and the nagging feel of blood fall, Conwell intensified his power shots as Merengue tired. Appearing close to a knockout, Conwell's left hook to the body in the 7th round took a toll on his opponent. The 10 round match ultimately scored a majority decision of 95-95, 98-92 and 96-94 in favor of Conwell.

The Vargas Dynasty continued in the super welterweight division as eldest son, Fernando Vargas Jr (7-0, 7 KO) faced Alejandro Martinez (3-2-1, 2 KO). Vargas continues to uphold the legacy as he displayed quick combinations that quickly had his opponent on the ground in the second round. Martínez rose, unable to accept an early loss only to be knocked down by Vargas’ left hand once again. The bout was brought to an end by knockout at 40 seconds of the second round. Fernando Vargas Jr remains undefeated with 7 wins all by way of knockout.

In the super bantamweight division, “Hijo de Pico Rivera” and son of MarvNation Promotions founder, Nathan Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs) went head to head against Jerson Ortiz (17-6, 8 KOs) for a regional featherweight title.

The two fighters kept the score close in the first round as they went blow for blow. Ortiz attempted to brawl, causing Rodriguez to lose his footing. Ortiz began to give himself a running start before lunging at his opponent, an erratic technique that lacked connection. It was in the third round that Ortiz found himself down twice, causing screams and cheers from the arena. The match continued the entire scheduled 8 rounds, Rodrguez connecting more than his opponent. The bout was scored 79-71, 80-70 Nathan Rodriguez winning the WBC Fecarbox featherweight title. Rodriguez improves to (10-0, 7 KOs), remaining undefeated.

The 8 round lightweight match between Ruben Torres (19-1, 16 KO) and Eduardo Estela shocked the crowd as their favorite fighter fizzled from a 19-match undefeated streak.

The first round of the match teased the idea of an early knockout as a left hook from Estela dazed Torres, forcing a pause to the round. As the rounds progressed, Torres picked up an effort. The crowd cheered for Los Angeles Native, Torres as he endured heavy combinations from a busy Estela. Although the favorite of the match, Torres remained hesitant and often kept his attempts short and sparse.

By round six, Estela began to tire from the powerful combinations he punished his opponent with. If Torres’ plan was to tire out Estela and land a knockout, he would be severely misled as Estela sped around the ring. The match was a split decision with one score 76-75 for Torres and one 78-73 score in favor of Estela. Estela improves his score to 14-1, 9 KO

In the Vargas brother conquest, Amado Vargas (5-0, 2KO) took the ring to face Osmar Olmos Hernández (1-2). The featherweight match went the scheduled 4 rounds and scored a unanimous decision in favor of Vargas. Vargas improves to (5-0, 2 KO), remaining undefeated and adding to his family's dynasty.

The welterweight bout between Jacob Macalolooy (4-0, 3 KOs) and Terrance Jarmon (3-1, 1 KO) was a knockout in the 2nd round. Macalolooy remains undefeated with 4 wins, 3 by way of knockout.

The middleweight bout between Eric Priest (9-0, 7KO) and Luis Alberto Vera (11-21-2, 1 KO) was a knockout in the first round. Priest remains undefeated with 9 victories, 7 by way of knockout.

The super featherweight match between Austin Brooks (9-0, 3 KOs) and Jesus Roman (8-6-0, 3 KOs) was a knockout in the third round by Brooks. Brooks remains undefeated with 9 wins, 3 by way of knockout.