Can Haney Claim the Title from WBC Champ Regis Prograis?
One of boxing’s worst-kept secrets was disclosed when reigning WBC junior welterweight champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) announced that his next fight is going to be against the undisputed lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (30-0, 15 KOs). The bout is being targeted for October 28 in Las Vegas. During an exclusive interview with ESPN, Haney explained why he’s fighting Prograis.
“It’s the perfect time. Right now, I’m a free agent. I’m able to go up. I’m the WBC champion at 135, undisputed champion at 135. I’m able to go up and fight for a new belt at 140 and hopefully, God-willing, I’m able to keep my belts at 135 as well.”
Haney’s last outing was a unanimous decision win over Vasyl Lomachenko on May 20. Since that win, the lightweight champion has been giving signals of wanting to go up in weight. But he also wants to hold on to his titles at 135. The WBC gave Haney until July 27 to inform them of his plans.
Haney informed the sanctioning body that his next fight would be at junior welterweight. But the 24-year-old also petitioned the sanctioning body to retain the WBC lightweight strap.
IN THE WORKS FOR A LONG TIME
Negotiations have been happening between Prograis and Haney for months. Bill Haney, father and trainer of Devin, was in attendance for Prograis’ title defense against Danelito Zorilla on June 23. Following the win over Zorilla, Prograis exchanged some friendly trash-talk with the lightweight champion. When asked how he squares up in a fight with Prograis, Haney said the following:
“I called Regis out before he even fought his last fight. It’s a great fight for boxing and a chance for me to become a two-division champion.”
“I think I might be bigger than him . . . Styles make fights. We’re gonna see how I go up in weight if I’m stronger, if I’m better, if I’m faster, we’ll see. I feel like I’m going to be much more comfortable in the ring at 140. It’s been a long time coming for me to go up and fight at 140.”
The junior welterweight champion is an excellent technician and one of the hardest punchers at 140. While he didn’t look great in the win over Zorilla, Rougarou promises to be on his A-game in a fight against Haney. On paper, Prograis – Haney is one of the best matchups of this year.
