Prograis-Hooker Set For April Clash In Maryland
Two light-welterweights are returning to action in a 143-pound catchweight bout. Regis Prograis and Maurice Hooker will face off inside the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland on April 17. On the line? A potential shot back at a championship opportunity.
“This is a fantastic match-up between two fighters that always deliver great fights,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn. “Regis and Maurice more than played their parts in two epic fights last year, and I know that their styles are going to gel to create another all-action battle.”
A former WBA and NABF Light-Welterweight Champion, Prograis (24-1) is coming off of a loss to Josh Taylor back in October. The majority decision loss ended his undefeated streak while also making him come in second during the World Boxing Super Series: Super-Lightweight finals.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring on April 17 and prove that I’m one of the best fighters in the world,” Prograis stated. “Maurice Hooker is a former World champion with a good skill set, but I’m very confident that I will be victorious and begin my march towards becoming a two-time World champion this year. We have a history of bad blood and this is a fight that I’ve wanted for a long time. I’m excited for this fight and I’m glad I’m going right back into a fight with a good competitor.”
Represented by Lou DiBella, the 31-year-old is hoping the longtime promotor can bring him back to his former glory.
“Regis Prograis came out of the World Boxing Super Series one of the most popular and respected fighters in boxing,” said DiBella. “This fight against Maurice Hooker is not only one of the most anticipated in boxing but also one of the very best that can be made this year.”
The 30-year-old Hooker (27-1-3) is on a one fight win streak. He beat Uriel Perez back in December via KO. It was a rebound fight after losing his first professional bout to Jose Carlos Ramirez back in July. As a result, Hooker lost his WBO Light-Welterweight Championship. A holder of the WBO-NABO Light-Welterweight Championship, Hooker has a desire to get his life back; the title he defended twice before Ramirez took it from him.
“I’m excited to face a former World Champion,” said Hooker. “In my mind, he is still one of the best out there at 140lbs which, when I beat him, gives me a chance to show the world I’m also one of the best at this weight. You can bet this fight will get me closer to winning another belt. It’s going to be an exciting match and I’m ready to take him out.”
Tickets for Prograis-Hooker will be going on sale next week, with information on how to buy tickets coming soon.