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Fightin' Words
(Sporting News)

The now-former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney heads into a homecoming fight in the Chase Center as the A-Side, with WBC super lightweight champion Regis Prograis getting B-Side treatment on December 9. DAZN will broadcast the fight and undercard bouts worldwide. 

Fans have been salivating for this matchup. Haney is taking a huge risk moving in weight to fight Prograis. It comes after twice fighting George Kambosos Jr. in the latter's backyard and the mighty Vasiliy Lomachenko. Now comfortable at a higher weight and with a solid defense, does Haney have the edge? Prograis has a great jab and heavy hands, though some see his fight against Danielito Zorrilla as something to use against him. Can "Rougarou" defy the odds? Or will this end like his fight against Josh Taylor? 

If he wins in a new division, given a clean slate, will Haney finally get some credit? "The Dream" has scientific skills that have often gotten ridiculed, or results go his way (Lomachenko) that fans are not in favor of. For years, he was upset he never made the pound-for-pound list after taking chance after chance, risk after risk. Is the marketing of Haney in this fight taking away from the skills and potential drawing power of Prograis? 

WATCH: Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis, live on DAZN

Also, depending on the outcome of Haney vs. Prograis, who would be next? Ryan Garcia, who just beat Oscar Duarte, has his eyes on Rolando Romero. However, the young star wants to fight the best. Would he stand a chance against either fighter? Or are they a level above Garcia, who seemed tentative when Duarte went on the attack?

On the latest Fightin’ Words, The Sporting News' Andreas HaleKarisa Maxwell, and Tom Gray break down a big fight weekend, including the following topics: 

  • Predicting the winner of Haney vs. Prograis 
  • Breaking down Garcia’s win against Duarte and what’s next for him
  • Debating who the best fighter is under 30

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Author(s)
Daniel Yanofsky Photo

Daniel Yanofsky is the Combat Sports Editor for The Sporting News since late 2021. Prior to working for TSN, Daniel provided insight on combat sports for Fightful, FIGHT SPORTS, and Wrestling Inc. A proud Ithaca College alum, when he isn’t working on his golf game, Daniel is advocating for three-minute rounds in women's boxing.

You can follow him on Twitter via @DanYanofsky.