Prograis vs Zepeda Odds Favor Prograis
Prograis Looking to Progress Into WBC Title
The Prograis vs Zepeda odds have been released and it has been one-way traffic for Regis Prograis since markets opened.
The American is the -450 favorite to beat Jose Zepeda, in a fight involving fighters with just three losses between them.
Saturday’s fight in Carson is big in the grand scheme of the lightweight division.
Jose Zepeda vs Regis Prograis
Date, time (TV):
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California
Prograis Rebounds From Loss
Prograis lost to Josh Taylor by majority decision in 2019, but we like the way he rebounded with three consecutive wins.
He knocked out Juan Heraldez in the third round before knocking out Ivan Redkach and Tyrone McKenna in the sixth round respectively.
That’s the main reason why he’s the favorite with boxing odds and likely to firm with betting markets to win the vacant WBC super lightweight title.
He wants respect on his name and winning on Saturday would see that happen.
“Boxing is my job, my career, and Thanksgiving comes every year,” said Prograis. “Would I fight for the second chance to get my belt again every year? Probably not. So, for me, I won’t miss Thanksgiving at all. Even if it was Christmas, I won’t miss Christmas. Even if it was my birthday, I won’t miss my birthday. This is way bigger.”
Being the former champion comes with great experience, which could give Prograis the edge, much like Prograis vs Zepeda odds suggest.
“I’m in boxing not just to make money, but I want to be number one,” he continued. “That’s my main thing, to be number one in the world, be a champion, and to say I’m a world champion. They say a champion will always be a champion, but when people introduce me, it’s as a former champion. So when I get introduced, I want them to say, he IS the champion. That’s one of the biggest things that I miss.”
His pro boxing schedule has been busy with big fights, so he won’t see Zepeda as a stronger threat than in his recent fights.
Zepeda Isn’t to be Messed With
Zepeda comes off a first-round knockout win over Josue Vargas, who was 19-1 and a respected up-and-coming fighter.
The 33-year-old made him look second-rate and that’s the danger presented to Prograis this weekend. If Zepeda can land a big blow, his night could be finished early.
He also knocked out Ivan Baranchyk in 2020, who was another respected fighter at 20-1. He has the wins on the board, and with 27 of his 35 wins coming by knockout, the Prograis vs Zepeda odds are healthy for the underdog.
However, there is some concern about a recent car crash. He is reportedly fine and uninjured, but it’s not the ideal preparation before a title fight. It’s another thing he’ll need to think about, so that could have had an impact on his +325 odds.
His most recent loss came in 2019 when losing to 23-0 Jose Carlos Ramirez. It was a top-billing fight and he only narrowly lost after one judge ruled a draw and the other judges had it 116-112, 115-113 in favor of Ramirez.
We think the sportsbook is being generous and he could be worth a nibble at the value odds. Momentum is with Prograis but there is little wrong with the form of Zepeda.
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