WBC Super Lightweight Champion Regis "Rugaru" Prograis successfully defended his first title against Danielito Zorrilli from Puerto Rico at the Smoothie Center arena in his native New Orleans, Louisiana. Zorrilla became an opponent of the American after Australian Liam Paro pulled out of the fight a month ago, citing an unknown injury.
At the end of the first round, a right Zorrilli caught Prograis by surprise and seemed to send him to the floor, but Prograis grabbed onto the opponent, and referee Ray Corona decided that it was a push. Prograis returned the favor at the start of the third round with a long left that almost sent Zorrilla into a backward roll.
After the final gong, Zorrilla straddled the ropes in the neutral corner, confident in his victory. The final score was 114-113 for Zorrilla, and 118-109 and 117-110 in favor of Prograis, who eventually defended his title by split decision.
