By: Sean Crose
On the eve of his WBC junior welterweight title battle, Devin Haney confirmed nothing however confidence in entrance of the media. Although his opponent this Saturday night, the brash defending champion Regis Prograis, has expressed perception that Haney, whose shifting up from light-weight, will be unable to take the ability of his photographs, Haney argued that he’ll be capable to land arduous himself. “I’m definitely going to be able to touch him a lot, hit him a lot,” Haney advised the press, “and we’ll see how he holds up.”
Although there’s already discuss of Haney shifting as much as welterweight after Saturday, the previous undisputed light-weight champion needs to maintain his thoughts on what’s earlier than him this weekend. “Right now my main focus is Regis Prograis,” he mentioned, “and after that we’ll see.” Haney has good motive to maintain his ideas on the right here and now, for the battle with Prograis goes down in his hometown of San Francisco. “We worked hard to get here,” mentioned Haney, “and now that we’re here at this massive event, now it’s time to perform.”
The proven fact that Haney is shifting up in weight to face a fighter of Prograis’ caliber is not any small factor. Again, nonetheless, Haney conveyed confidence earlier than the media. “I feel great at 140,” he mentioned, “stronger than I’ve ever been.” And what of the arduous hitting Prograis’ assertion that he, like Haney, possesses a formidable talent set? “He showed no skills,” mentioned Haney. “He showed power.” Haney clearly feels he’s a step above Prograis on the flexibility scale. “The world gonna see,” he mentioned in reference to his upcoming efficiency on Saturday.
Although he’s recognized primarily for being a easy ring practitioner, Haney has indicated that he’s really going to knock heavy hitter Prograis out. “It’s going to be a round,” he mentioned. “I don’t know what round.” This could also be hype discuss – or Haney could properly really feel that the additional weight will current him with additional energy. What makes Haney spectacular, other than his ring IQ and expertise is the seriousness he brings to the desk. This is just not a person recognized for horsing round. If he says he feels he can knock out Prograis, it may be clever to consider he means it.
In a world the place backbiting and behind the scenes innuendo take up quite a lot of boxing’s power, it’s refreshing to see a fighter strategy the game like an grownup. “I’m a true professional,” Haney advised the media. “I perform no matter what.”
