Davis vs Santa Cruz results and highlights: Regis Prograis batters Juan Heraldez for third round stoppage

Former junior welterweight titlist Regis Prograis hadn’t fought in a year following his first career loss to Josh Taylor, but returned in style tonight, stopping Juan Heraldez in the third round in San Antonio.

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Prograis (25-1, 21 KO) won the first two rounds of the fight pretty clearly, and had a truly relaxed demeanor in the ring, as if he felt Heraldez (16-1-1, 10 KO) just didn’t have much for him. And when Heraldez, 30, landed a couple good shots in the third round, Prograis saw the opening and ripped Heraldez with a straight left hand out of the southpaw stance, putting the Las Vegas fighter on the canvas.

Heraldez did get up and tried to fight on, but the 31-year-old Prograis smelled blood and went for the finish. Heraldez did his best to try and fight back, and also to tie up, but Prograis just wouldn’t have any of it, battering Heraldez with power shots. Heraldez was nearly down again when the referee stepped in to stop the fight at 1:23 of the third round.

“I think the main thing was my layoff. I’ve been out the ring for over a year now. My body wasn’t used to making the weight, that played a part with it,” Prograis said of not making weight, though he also said he had no excuses, as others did make weight.

“I still feel I’m the best at 140. I’m not gonna lie. Me and Taylor had a real, real close fight. I think if it was here, I would’ve got the decision. Me and Josh Taylor, we have to have a rematch, that’s gonna happen at 140 or 147. But right now it’s up to my manager. Money and belts, that’s what we care about.”