Former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney is moving up to 140 lbs. to become a two-division world champion as he challenges WBC title holder Regis Prograis in San Francisco on Saturday night.
Haney does just about everything well when it comes to the sweet science. He has a great jab with serious pop behind it. Tremendous athlete, good body work, and just a well understanding of the game. His one area he does not excel in at all is the ability to deliver knockouts. He just does not have that knockout power that a lot of fighters carry at 140 – they have the ability to truly hurt their opponents and finish the fight. Haney does not seem bothered by it as he can just outbox and outwork his opponents to a clear decision win.
I get the feeling that a lot of the public just is not familiar with Prograis or know how good he is. I think Haney is the rightful favorite but not by much I would say. For Prograis to win this he will need to get in close and make this a dog fight and really work the body and put a ton of pressure on Haney. If Prograis does not successfully do that throughout the fight we could see Haney shine by disrupting Prograis’ rhythm with strong jabs to the head and body whilst circling around and avoiding the champion’s strategy of cutting off the ring. I think there is some value in a Prograis decision here as I think he will have some success and make some rounds close. He is skilled and game enough to win here but I totally understand why those are picking Haney.
Prop: Regis Prograis moneyline at +290
Best of luck and thanks for reading!
