The super lightweight landscape is filled to the brim with notable names. Amongst them, of course, is Regis Prograis. But while the 33-year-old has always envisioned himself partaking in big-time matchups, for the past few months, Jose Zepeda was the only person on his mind.

Officially, the two 140-pound mainstays battled it out this past weekend at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. After 11 mostly hard-fought rounds, Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) covered himself in championship glory, scoring a concussive 11th-round stoppage victory to lay claim to the WBC 140-pound title.

Brandishing a proud smile, Prograis is welcoming all-comers. With a ton of fighters to choose from, Teofimo Lopez has eagerly raised his hand. Luckily for the hubris-filled former champion at 135 pounds, he could be fast-tracked to a showdown against the newly minted champion.

On December 10th, in Madison Square Garden’s famed arena, the 25-year-old will take on Sandor Martin. According to Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC sanctioning body, the winner of their bout will serve as the second mandatory challenger to Prograis. Former unified champion Jose Ramirez is ostensibly next for the New Orleans native.

If everything holds firm, a collision course against Lopez (17-1, 13 KOs) could take place at some point in 2023. Should their hypothetical showdown become a reality, Prograis, while excited, doesn't believe that it would be in the best interest of Lopez to face him.

“I will really hurt Teofimo for real,” said Prograis during a self-recorded Instagram live video. “Like I’ll f--- Teo up, like bad. I really feel like I’ll hurt him and hurt him bad. To where like, he’ll really be messed up. Like he’s going to the hospital type of shit.”

Lopez, after spending the entirety of his career at 135-pounds, scampered from the division following a split decision loss at the hands of George Kambosos Jr. In his first bout against larger men, Lopez effortlessly made the transition, dismantling Pedro Campa via seventh-round KO earlier this year.

Still, even with the win, Prograis was far from impressed. In addition to sending a warning shot to his new budding rival, Prograis proclaimed that no matter who is placed in front of him, he’ll look to inflict mind-numbing punishment on his unsuspecting foes.  

“When I fight, I’m not trying to go to the decision with you. I’m really trying to hurt you bro.”