The World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) has denied that American Regis Prograis has pulled out of his scheduled super lightweight final against Josh Taylor.
Prograis had filed a legal action against the WBSS, run by Comosa AG, which if granted would allow him to miss the fight, reportedly due to certain payments not being made to the New Orleans fighter.
A statement released by Prograis and promoter Lou DiBella outlines their reasons for withdrawing and their intention to file a lawsuit
It read: “Today in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Regis Prograis and DiBella Entertainment, Inc. filed for a declaratory judgment. It states Comosa AG, the owner of the World Boxing Super Series, has breached its contractual obligations to Prograis and DBE,” said the DiBella/Prograis release, as reported on World Boxing News.
“Prograis and DBE further informed Comosa that Prograis is withdrawing from the WBSS, effective immediately.
“Today’s action is the result of a long and repeated pattern of behavior by Comosa. It includes late payments, scheduling delays, bad faith representations, missed deadlines, and broken promises.
“A recitation of this behavior can be found in the Complaint filed today. “There is no one more disappointed by this turn of events than Regis Prograis. He has expressed his desire to unify the super lightweight division on a number of occasions.
“Comosa was provided every opportunity to see the WBSS to a conclusion. But it failed at every turn to meet its obligations to the contracted fighters.
“This action was commenced only after Prograis and DBE determined, as a result of Comosa’s conduct, that his participation in this venture was no longer possible. “DBE and Prograis will not be making any further comment beyond the content of this statement and the Complaint.”
Similar problems arose before Taylor’s last bout against Belorussian Ivan Baranchyk, who’s manager had claimed had pulled out for similar reasons prior to their semi-final back in May.
However, the WBSS ‘strenuously denies’ it has broken any contractual obligations and will use ‘all resources available’ to ensure Prograis honours the deal in place.
"WBSS will defend the tournament against any attempts of third parties to interfere with the tournament with all means and in all jurisdictions available as necessary," a statement read.
"We look forward to the upcoming final of the super-lightweights between Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor, which promises to be a spectacular boxing night."
Scottish favourite Taylor is keen to fight once again at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, having defeated Baranchyk and Ryan Martin there in his previous two fights, and believes it would make commercial sense for his biggest fight to date.
Prograis however, isn’t as keen to agree to what would be yet another home fight for Taylor in this tournament.
New York was moored as a potential venue, although Manchester on 5 October this year has also been suggested.
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