{photo credit Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd}
Regis Prograis was born and raised in New Orleans. When he was a sophomore in high school at McDonogh 35, he played football, but boxing was quietly beginning to call to him. On Fridays, before games, the locker room turned into a play-boxing fight club with sparring matches. Another player told him, “If you want to be here, you have to fight.” He wasn’t a fighter at that point, but he held his own in that locker room. Soon, the bug got him, and he took it more seriously. By the end of the summer of 2005, Prograis was beginning to hang out at the local boxing gym.
Then came Hurricane Katrina. Prograis and his family evacuated to Houston. He never imagined that he would move away from New Orleans. In an interview with Bleacher Report, he said, “You never think you’ll never come back.” But this move changed his life and shaped his boxing career. In Houston, he began to train at the Savannah Boxing Gym, a place that trained many renowned fighters like Evander Holyfield and Juan Diaz. This focus led to him turning pro in 2012. And from that point on, his career took off with an amazing unbeaten streak. He picked up titles and emerged as one of the top junior-welterweights in the sport.
Prograis brings a raw athleticism, power, and a relentless style to the ring. He has won multiple world titles, including the WBA light welterweight title and the WBC light welterweight title. He was also the WBC interim light welterweight champion. He held regional and international belts such as the NABF light welterweight and the NABF Junior light welterweight titles. In 2022, he was named the WBC Diamond light welterweight champion after defeating Jose Zepeda. This is a special and honorary title awarded to elite and highly accomplished boxers for their significant achievements and victories.
His nickname, “Rougarou“, is deeply rooted in Louisiana folklore. The Rougarou is a menacing, wolf-like creature of Cajun legend. The name is more than just a nickname to Prograis; it’s a connection to his Louisiana heritage. It’s not only a reflection of how he fights, but a reminder of where he comes from. He wears a Rougarou mask as he walks out of the locker room and out into the ring.
Even though he lives and trains in Houston, New Orleans remains at the center of his story. He’s carried the city on his back, well, on his chest, literally. He has the city skyline tattooed across his chest. He’s also made it a priority to fight there when he can. His family, who mostly returned to New Orleans in the years following Katrina, continue to support him at his bouts.
Besides his family, big names from the world of sports and entertainment regularly show up when he steps into the ring. You’ll find NFL stars with Louisiana roots, hometown heroes who grew up in the same neighborhoods, and even city leaders who’ve watched his rise with pride. His connection extends beyond boxing as well. He’s taken part in community events with fellow New Orleanians who’ve made their mark, and he’s even made his way onto the big screen, appearing in Bayou Caviar alongside Academy Award–winner Cuba Gooding Jr., playing a fighter.
And for Regis Prograis, boxing isn’t just personal ambition; it’s a way to put his hometown back on the boxing map, and to inspire young people in the city. He not only wears New Orleans on his chest, but also in his heart. He loves his hometown, and it shows.
Do you remember the first time you had red beans and rice?
I really can’t remember the first time I had red beans. Probably started eating red beans as soon as I could have solid food.
When you think about red beans and rice, what feeling or memory comes to mind first?
When I think of red beans, I think about the culture of New Orleans.
If you could share a bowl of red beans and rice with anyone—past or present—who would it be?
If I could share a bowl of red beans with anyone, it would be Muhammad Ali.
Do you cook red beans?
No, I’m not a cooker. I have to have beef sausage because I don’t eat pork.
What does the tradition mean to you?
I think people love red beans because it’s not just made as a dish to eat. They make it because it’s part of the culture of New Orleans. They make it with love. And it’s passed down from generation to generation.
What’s your favorite spot in New Orleans (or the one you miss most)?
My favorite spot to eat in New Orleans is anything home-cooked. I don’t really have a favorite restaurant. I used to love my grandma’s cooking, but she doesn’t cook that much anymore because of her age.
What’s your go-to comfort meal when you just need something good to eat?
My go-to meal would probably be chicken or shrimp pasta or crabmeat ravioli. I absolutely love both.
For someone outside of New Orleans who wants to support what you’re doing—what’s the best way?
Right now, the best way to support is to order my book. Stories and Lessons by Regis Prograis. You can order on Amazon.
Any projects, events, or shoutouts you’d like people to know about?
I’m always investing in different projects, from real estate to buying stocks, and now becoming an author. The main thing I’ve been focused on right now, outside of boxing, is getting my book more exposure. Stories and Lessons by Regis Prograis.
In Stories & Lessons, Regis Prograis lays it all out. Not just as a fighter in the ring, but as a young man forced to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. It also tells a story of how reading turned from a hobby into a lifeline. Co-written with Ross Williams, this memoir offers a rich collection of personal stories and hard-won wisdom: tales of loss, perseverance, and late-night training sessions, as well as the intellectual journey that helped Prograis to become the first two-time world champion from New Orleans. The book isn’t just for boxing fans. This is a story of how grit, curiosity, and consistency can change the trajectory of a life. You’ll find that this book is engaging, honest, and deeply motivating. It’s a powerful read for anyone who dreams big and fights harder.
You can find the book at every major bookstore, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also purchase a limited edition autographed copy here: https://millions.co/regis-prograis-boxing/memorabilia/regis-prograis-custom-autographed-book, along with shirts and hats.
To stay up to date with the latest information on Regis Prograis, follow him online:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regisprograis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regisprograisboxing/
- X: https://x.com/RPrograis
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Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
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