Devin Haney Confident Ahead of WBC Junior Welterweight Title Fight
Devin Haney, who is moving up from lightweight, expressed unwavering confidence in his upcoming WBC junior welterweight title fight against defending champion Regis Prograis. Haney dismissed Prograis' doubts about his ability to withstand his punches, stating that he will be able to land hard shots of his own. "I'm definitely going to be able to touch him a lot, hit him a lot," Haney confidently told the press. He added, "and we'll see how he holds up."
Although there is speculation about Haney moving up to welterweight after the fight, the former undisputed lightweight champion is keeping his focus on the present. "Right now my main focus is Regis Prograis," Haney emphasized. He acknowledged that the fight holds special significance as it is taking place in his hometown of San Francisco. "We worked hard to get here," Haney said. "And now that we're here at this massive event, now it's time to perform."
The fact that Haney is moving up in weight to face a fighter of Prograis’ caliber is no small thing. Again, however, Haney conveyed confidence before the media. “I feel great at 140,” he said, “stronger than I’ve ever been.” And what of the hard hitting Prograis’ assertion that he, like Haney, possesses a formidable skill set? “He showed no skills,” said Haney. “He showed power.” Haney clearly feels he’s a step above Prograis on the ability scale. “The world gonna see,” he said in reference to his upcoming performance on Saturday.
Although he’s known primarily for being a smooth ring practitioner, Haney has indicated that he’s actually going to knock heavy hitter Prograis out. “It’s going to be a round,” he said. “I don’t know what round.” This may be hype talk – or Haney may well feel that the extra weight will present him with extra power. What makes Haney impressive, aside from his ring IQ and talent is the seriousness he brings to the table. This is not a man known for horsing around. If he says he feels he can knock out Prograis, it might be wise to believe he means it.
In a world where backbiting and behind the scenes innuendo absorb a great deal of boxing’s energy, it’s refreshing to see a fighter approach the sport like an adult. “I’m a true professional,” Haney told the media. “I perform no matter what.”
