Regis Prograis - Devin Haney: odds and predictions. Who is the favorite to win the fight?
‘The Dream’ will fight for the first time at 140, where Prograis is the WBC super lightweight world champion.
Devin Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) will be back in the ring for the first time since May when he became the undisputed lightweight champion by defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko in a controversial points victory.
Many believed that the two-time Olympic gold medalist outpunched The Dream, who finally was awarded the victory to remain undefeated and become the king at 135.
While many suggested he should rematch Lomachenko or try to challenge Shakur Stevenson or Gervonta Davis, Haney decided to go up in weight and try his luck at 140.
The reason for that move is that he was able to choose his opponent due to his champion status and that he could try to become a two-weight class world champion by challenging Regis Prograis, without needing to earn the fight for the title.
Rougarou is one of the most feared fighters in the division and he only has a loss in his record (29-1, 24 KOs). It was back in 2019 when he was defeated by Josh Taylor via majority decision.
Haney vs Prograis: odds
Haney is the favorite going into the fight against Prograis, as he hasn’t tasted defeat in his career so far and seems to always find a way to win.
However, he had to deal with quite a few issues against Lomachenko, whose speed and boxing IQ gave Haney a hard time.
Can Prograis repeat Loma’s performance and put Devin in real trouble? Oddsmakers believe that it’s an unlikely scenario, as a Haney win is paid at 6/25 (1.24), while a victory for Rougarou is priced at 3/1 (4).
Haney has won many of his fights on points, and a win via that victory method is paid at 19/50 (1.38), while a KO, TKO, or disqualification win for Prograis is worth 6/1 (7). A draw is priced at 15/1 (16).
Haney vs Prograis: prediction
How will Haney adapt to the new weight? Will he have the same mobility he used to at 135? Will Prograis be able to catch Haney with one of his power punches and knock him out?
There are some interesting questions surrounding this bout, where there’s a lot on the line for both men. Haney has the chance of becoming champion in another weight class and keeping his undefeated record, while Prograis will want to defend his title and be the first man to beat Devin.
Both men didn’t look particularly good in their last fights but that shouldn’t be an important factor when analyzing the fight, as they will be in another situation, facing different opposition.
To win the fight, Haney will have to do what he does best, use his footwork and his jab, one of the best in the business. Keeping Prograis at bay will be crucial, as he did in his two fights against George Kambosos Jr.
As for Prograis, he will need to figure out Haney’s jabs to get on the inside and be able to hurt him or wait for counter possibilities.
The New Orleans native will fancy his chances on fight night, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to capitalize on Devin’s potential mistakes. If he wants to retain his title against Haney, he will need to be at his very best but it’s hard to see him catching The Dream with a knockout punch or outclassing him.
Prediction: Devin Haney to win on points.