“I feel very happy and motivated with this great opportunity to face a former two-time world champion boxer,” Duarte said. “Facing Regis Prograis means a lot to me because he is an established, high-level fighter, and if I can win this fight, it would represent a very important step in my career. I know the fight will not be easy. Prograis is a complicated fighter; he hits hard, has not been knocked out, and also wants to return to victory after his last two defeats. I will have to put up a great fight and be very intelligent to defeat him. I want to thank Golden Boy, especially Oscar De La Hoya and Eric Gómez, for this great opportunity to star in this card that will be broadcast on DAZN!”

“First off, I’m just excited to be back in the ring so soon doing what I love,” Prograis said. “I understand that inactivity is the death of a fighter. At this point in my career, I want and need to be more active. I think this fight has fireworks written all over it. My opponent is a strong, tough and hungry fighter, and it should be a great night in California. I’m excited for this fight and looking forward to next month.”

“Duarte is one of the most exciting and powerful fighters in boxing, and I fully expect him to be relentless in going for the knockout on Feb. 15,” said Golden Boy Promotions chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “But Prograis is a two-time world champion who has faced the best of the best and has never been knocked out. This is a true crossroads fight, and I fully expect an absolute war when these two collide.”

Duarte of Parral, Chihuahua, has made his mark in boxing as one of the toughest world title contenders in the lightweight division. Known for his hunter-killer instincts and defensive skills, he is unafraid to engage any fighter. His only career blemishes are against Adrian Estrella in 2019 – which he avenged with 11 straight knockout victories – and the crafty knockout artist Ryan Garcia in December 2023. His most recent win was a masterful performance on the “Latino Night” card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he defeated the resilient Botirzhon Akhmedov. Duarte became a professional in 2013 and has incredible Mexican star power behind him, with award-winning actor, model, and television host Gabriel Soto co-managing his career along with Cancun Boxing.

Prograis of New Orleans is a former two-time super lightweight world champion. Renowned for his southpaw prowess, his boxing journey began after relocating to Houston following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Training at the Savannah Boxing Club alongside Evander Holyfield, he compiled an impressive amateur record of 87-7. Prograis turned professional in 2012, quickly making a name for himself with his aggressive style and knockout power. In 2019, he captured the WBA super lightweight title, marking his ascent in the boxing world. He further solidified his status by winning the WBC super lightweight title in 2022. Prograis’s most recent bout was against Jack Catterall on Oct. 26, 2024, at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England. Despite a valiant effort, Prograis lost by unanimous decision, with scores of 117-108, 116-109, and 116-109 in favor of Catterall.

 

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