BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom has confirmed former two-time world champion Regis Prograis as the frontrunner to collide with rising star Adam Azim.
‘The Assassin’ told Boxing News a week ago that he plans to return in July, highlighting Prograis, 29-3 (24 KOs), and super-lightweight contender Steve Claggett, among others, as potential opponents.
But according to Shalom, the list has since been whittled down to just a few options, with Prograis – the more accomplished operator – leading the pack.
‘Rougarou’ comes off back-to-back unanimous decision defeats to Devin Haney, who dominated each of their 12 rounds, and former undisputed title challenger Jack Catterall.
Against ‘El Gato,’ the American produced a strong performance – flooring his opponent in the fifth round, while also suffering a knockdown himself – before getting outpointed down the stretch.
But while Prograis now finds himself on the wrong side of 30, it must be said that he nonetheless represents an intriguing test for Azim, 13-0 (10 KOs),
The 23-year-old is, of course, coming off a ninth-round stoppage victory over former world champion Sergey Lipinets, with his destructive display only elevating the excitement surrounding his career.
And yet, even at this late stage in his career – over five years removed from his glittering performance against Josh Taylor, in fact – Prograis undoubtedly remains a level above Lipinets.
While he narrowly lost a majority decision against Taylor, the slick southpaw proved that he was, and to a certain extent still is, an elite operator at 140lbs.
For that reason, Prograis has emerged as the preferred dance partner, at least in the eyes of Shalom, for Azim’s next assignment.
“We made an offer to Regis but he doesn’t seem keen on coming to the UK, maybe because of decisions [against Taylor and Catterall] that have gone against him,” Shalom told Boxing News.
“That’s definitely the fight we were looking at – he’s number one on our hit list. With Steve Claggett, there’s been a discussion but I don’t think [the fight will happen].”
