Regis Prograis Confident in Victory Over Devin Haney in December 9 Matchup

If there is anything you can’t accuse Regis Prograis of, it is confidence. However, some might suggest that it is more arrogance and misplaced confidence on his part.

The 34-year-old has been able to back up his thoughts about his quality when in the ring, having been the WBC super lightweight champion since 2022, and a WBA super lightweight in the pastable, too. He has also been able to overcome some tough challenges when in the ring, as he has compiled a 29-1 fight-win record.

Of course, it is perhaps hardly a surprise that the American is confident ahead of his confirmed second WBC title defence. He will take on Devin Haney in San Francisco on December 9, who is the current undisputed lightweight world champion. 

Prograis believes he will overcome Haney

Speaking about his upcoming bout with Haney, Prograis has shown his confidence in abundance, as he has been talking the talk and believes he will walk the walk when the two pair up against each other in the ring.

While stating that he believes he still does not get the recognition he feels he deserves from the boxing world for his skill despite being a two-time world champion, he feels a win against his opponent will put him on the map, especially as he is confident he will stop him. That claim isn’t a shock, though, as the Louisiana boxer has managed to record 24 wins by knockouts in his career.

Prograis has publicly stated that he will stop him and hurt him in the process, believing that Haney does not have the punch resistance needed to go the distance and last with him in between the ropes. He has also criticised his opponent’s footwork and stated that while he respects his opponent for going up in weight to face him, the added muscle will not help him.

Prograis isn’t the favourite with the bookies

Despite all of his talk and his expletive rants toward Haney, Prograis is not the betting favourite for the upcoming bout on December 9. In fact, bookies that offer betting in UK odds are favouring his opponent by some distance.

Haney has been provided with odds of 1/4 ahead of the bout, while Prograis has been valued at 29/10. The draw is priced at 16/1 for anyone interested, but the odds do suggest that there will be an outcome that involves a winner.

Why is Hanely considered the favourite to win?

Haney is an accomplished fighter in his own right and has wowed the lightweight division with his performances. Before making the move up to super lightweight and facing Prograis in his first fight at the level, he managed to put together a record that stands at 30-0, including 15 knockouts.

In his latest fight, he managed to overcome the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko, although it was considered to be a controversial outcome. Many had felt the Ukrainian had done enough to win, but the American retained his titles via unanimous decision. He did have two clear wins against George Kambosos Jr in 2022 in which he became the unified and undisputed champion.

Conversely, there is some doubt over Prograis as his last performance was not best received, with many believing it was one of his most disappointing. He was fighting in his first contest as a Matchroom fighter, but while he defeated Danielito Zorrilla on June 17 to retain his WBC belt, it was considered a poor fight.

A war of words between the two set up an intriguing fight

For most boxing fans, December 9 cannot come quick enough. The fight between Prograis and Haney has continued to heat up as verbal exchanges continue to get fiercer between each other, with both fighters vowing to do something to the other when they step in the ring.

As we know so often in boxing, words can normally just help to build the event up and be empty, but this one feels a lot different to other fights. 

Will Prograis’ confidence be proved right? Or, will Haney make the step up and adjust in a way that many expect him to as he carries on his undefeated rampage across professional boxing?

While those questions remain unanswered for now, fight fans cannot wait to see it all unfold in the ring!