Devin Haney‘s laid-back and Floyd Mayweather-ish fighting style clashes with Regis Prograis‘ determination this Saturday, December 9. The big stage is set for Devin Haney and his ambitions of becoming a multi-division. After suffering the grueling pain of weight cuts for years, he finally moves up to challenge for the WBC super lightweight strap. However, Regis Prograis stands as the hurdle to Haney’s lofty goals. Who will prevail in the battle of punches? Is a flashy knockout on the cards that settles the debate for WBC’s 140-pound enforcer?

Both boxers come into the fight with the baggage of their last fights. While many believed Vasiliy Lomachenko did enough to outpoint The Dream’, Prograis’ lackluster performance against Danielito Zorrilla raised many eyebrows. The stakes are high for both. But how does the encounter look on the paper?

Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis: The contest in stats

Devin Haney, at 30-0, has carved out a reputation as a skilled boxer who will make the opponent toil hard in the ring. The San Francisco native is happy to edge out opponents on points. Notably, all of his last seven outings have been decision wins.

Further, the 25-year-old loves throwing his jabs, landing around an average of 5.2 per round, an efficient 24.8% of every jab thrown, the seventh-best rate across all divisions. He also lands 35% of his boxing combinations. Meanwhile, Prograis, at 29-1, is the experienced fighter but lacks the skills to be put in the same bracket as Haney.

‘Rougarou’ also prefers to throw jabs, throwing 58% of his punches as jabs and connecting only 13%. But he is the more well-rounded and offensive of the two. The 34-year-old lands almost 9 power punches and connects 40% of them. He has collected 24 wins as KOs or TKOs. In addition, he allows his opponent to land only 7 punches per round on average. So, who takes home the WBC’s super lightweight crown this Saturday?

Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis: Who takes the win?

Undoubtedly, Haney is the clear favorite going into the fight. His boxing prowess and fighting before the home crowd tip the scales in his favor. “I see myself leaning towards Haney,” Paulie Malignaggi revealed to ProBox TV. However, the fans can expect a competitive and close fight.

Haney fights what some fans can label a ‘boring’ style. The former undisputed lightweight champion uses movement, jabs, and clinches and fights close rounds. He keeps his opponents at bay, stealthily hiding behind his jab. Therefore, cutting the distance without getting too close and landing some critical punches in the range is the only way Prograis can score a win.

But is Prograis skilled enough to escape Haney’s clinch? The answer is probably not. Haney’s previous opponents have failed to do so, and he is proficient at controlling range. The New Orleans native might do enough to negate these to some extent, but he is not deceptive enough to pull it off.

If he doesn’t tread carefully, Prograis might walk straight into Haney’s shots and counters. Additionally, he doesn’t boast a good jab. His feet are slow, and he might be prone to getting hit when endeavoring his way to Haney. The only way Prograis snatches away a win is by plumming his way into Haney and knocking him out. And he packs the power and determination to do it. But is a knockout really on the cards?

What about the chances of a KO win?

Haney has a niche for earning controversial wins. He has recently fought close fights with George Kambosos Jr. and Lomachenko. You could expect a similar result in his bout with Prograis. An exciting fight and, more certainly, a knockout are a remote possibility. 

Read More: If We Have Learned Anything From Floyd Mayweather, Devin Haney’s Decision To Vacate All Titles at Lightweight Maybe Sudden but a Smart Move Especially Financially

So what are you going to witness this Saturday? You can expect Haney to control the distance while using jabs and clinching. He is cruising to a victory as he sweeps the judges’ scorecard and becomes the WBC champion.

What do you make of this exciting matchup between Devin Haney and Regis Prograis? Who do you believe will leave the boxing ring with his hands raised? Let us know in the comments below.

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