Originally hailing from New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina forced him to relocate to Houston, Texas in 2005. Once in Houston, Prograis began training at Savannah Boxing Club alongside Evander Holyfield which was a key factor in motivating him to take boxing seriously. He would go on to build a remarkable 87-7 amateur record. As an amateur, Prograis was ranked #4 in the United States, the 2009 Ringside World Champion, 2010 HORN National Champion, won regional Golden Gloves, and competed in the 2012 Olympic Trials before turning pro in 2012. On April 27, 2019 as part of the World Boxing Super Series semi finals, Prograis captured the WBA Super Lightweight Championship as he dethrone Kiryl Relickh in six rounds.