Regis Prograis during a media workout ahead of his matchup vs. Able Ramos (Photo: Showtime)
By Chris Robinson
This coming Friday night, unbeaten junior welterweight prospects Regis Prograis (14-0, 12 KO’s) and Abel Ramos (14-0-2, 9 KO’s) will square off on ShoBox: The New Generation, as they will headline a quadrupleheader from the Bayou City Event Center in Houston, Tex.
On Wednesday afternoon, the two combatants held court inside of Lou Savarese’s Fight Fit gym in downtown Houston as they are just days away from a 10-r0und bout that could have a huge impact in their careers.
A native of New Orleans, Prograis now calls Houston home and has his eyes dead set on a victory come Friday.
“This has been a tremendous training camp, probably the best I have ever had,” the 25-year old stated. “We were working real hard in camp. Physically and mentally, I couldn’t be more ready for Friday night. This is going to be my first fight here in my adopted home of Houston in about a year and half and my first time ever headlining a card here. I couldn’t be more excited and eager to get in there and show the great fans of Houston and everyone watching on television my ability.”
Refreshingly, Prograis offered respect to his opponent.
“This is a tough fight, a real tough fight,” said Prograis. “Abel is a heck of a fighter. He is a real strong guy who always comes to fight, and I know that he is coming to put on a show. He is undefeated, he doesn’t want lose. But, so am I, and neither do I. It is going to come down to who wants it more come Friday night. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be victorious come Friday night.’’
This fight marks a new page in Ramos’ career and he knows all too well what is at stake.
“We had a great training camp preparing for this fight, and I couldn’t be more ready or happy with my preparation going into Friday’s fight against Regis,” the Arizona native declared. “This is my first fight with DiBella Entertainment and I am already headlining on ShoBox. I think that is a testament to what they see in me and the talent that I have and I couldn’t be happier about this opportunity.
“The work is done in the gym,” Ramos added. “I know that he will have the hometown support behind him, but I am ready for whatever he brings to the table on fight night. Once that bell rings, it is just me and him in the ring, and he better know that I am coming for him.”
Ramos expects a stiff test, but he also envisions a victory.
“We are expecting a tough fight, the best Regis Prograis has to offer,” said Ramos. “We expect him to be very active and throw a ton of punches, and that’s what we have prepared for all camp long. I don’t know exactly how the fight ends, but I am winning it, there is no doubt about it.’’
Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com