Eddie Hearn Optimistic on Making Regis Prograis vs Devin Haney
Speculation has been running wild about what’s next for the reigning undisputed lightweight champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (30-0, 15 KOs). According to promoter Eddie Hearn, Haney is eying moving up to the junior welterweight division and is targeting a fight against WBC 140-pound champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs.)
SPILLING THE BEANS
Haney is nearly two weeks removed from a tough win over Vasyl Lomachenko on May 20. Following the victory over Loma, Haney said that he’s keeping his options open. During an appearance on the DAZN Boxing Show, Hearn said he’s spoken to Haney. According to the Chairman of Matchroom Promotions, Haney’s future is at 140.
“He called me the other night . . . He wants to fight Regis Prograis. It’s a tremendous fight. He wants to move up to 140. He wants a belt. I said to him that he’s got to be a little bit careful because part of his value is he’s undisputed. So when he moves up a division, that’s the risk he takes from there.
But he’s identified Regis Prograis as the fight that he wants. Regis loves the fight. He has [Danielito] Zorrilla first on June 17. He’s got to smash him to pieces. He’s got to shoutout Devin Haney. We’ve got to get those guys together and get the right number for both guys, and I believe we can make that happen.”
A BOXING REUNION?
Haney had a previous business relationship with Matchroom Promotions. For Haney to become the undisputed lightweight champion, he parted ways with Matchroom and signed with Top Rank. Understanding Haney’s ambitions, Hearn harbored no bitterness towards Haney, and the two have a good rapport.
The Dream decided not to re-sign with Top Rank after the fight with Lomachenko. Word on the street that the lightweight champion is considering re-signing with Matchroom.
Should Haney make the official move up in weight, it would make sense for many reasons. It’s known throughout the boxing community that he struggles to make 135. At age 25, his body is starting to mature physically.
A fight with Prograis is an attractive matchup. Should Prograis take care of business against Zorrilla, Hearn will get to work and hype that fight up as much as possible.
Rougarou has expressed a strong interest in fighting Haney and is on record saying he would knock Haney out. The lightweight champion is considering attending Prograis’s against Zorrilla. All signs are pointing towards a Prograis – Haney showdown either later this year or early in 2024.
