WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis made the decision to sign with Matchroom Boxing in a long-term promotional deal on Saturday, and his first bout under Matchroom will be on June 17th against Liam Paro at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Lousiana.

Prograis (28-1 24 KOs) is a two-time world champion at the super lightweight division, winning the WBC title in his last fight with a stoppage victory over Jose Zepeda in November. Before that win, he defeated Juan Heraldez, Ivan Redzach, and Tyrone McKenna. The New Orleans native was the WBA champion which he won in April of 2019 but lost by close decision to Josh Taylor in October of that year. He has plans to unify the division, but first he will defend the WBC title in his hometown against Paro.

Over the past few weeks, there was talk as to where Prograis would sign as there were multiple options out there for him. He reviewed those options and decided to be with Matchroom Boxing.

After the announcement of signing with Matchroom, Prograis expressed why he made that decision. “I had a lot of good offers on the table. But I feel like Matchroom is the best for me,” He said. “I just feel like it’s the right fit. From the beginning I had that gut feeling and it never left. I can’t wait to start this chapter in my career.”

He was also ecstatic about defending the WBC title in his hometown: “This is a dream come true.”

His opponent is an unbeaten contender from Queensland, Australia who is currently ranked #3 with the WBO and #4 with the IBF. Paro (23-0 14 KOs) scored a first round knockout victory in October over Brock Jarvis, which was his sixth win over an undefeated fighter. This will be his first shot to win a world title, and it will be a stiff test for Paro as he goes into Prograis’s hometown. However, he is looking to send a big message to the super lightweight division.

“What better way to make a mark on the 140lbs division than taking out the top guy,” Paro said. “This is what it’s all about. I have been dreaming about fights like this my whole life.”

Eddie Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Boxing, was grateful that he was able to secure Prograis to a long term deal. “I am so excited to welcome Regis to the Matchroom team,” he said. “The 140lb division is fast becoming the most exciting in the sport, littered with big names and glamour fights, so to have the WBC king in the team is a massive coup for us.”

“Regis’ fights always promise action, and along with his charisma and personality, there’s a perfect blend that makes him one of the most marketable and fan-friendly fighters – and one that has told me he only wants the biggest fights in the division – unifications and undisputed.”

More details about the card will be known in the next few days.