Devin Haney will challenge Regis Prograis, on December 9th, for Prograis’ WBC junior welterweight title. The rivals met at their kickoff to set the stage for the world title fight. Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion of the world, will attempt to become a two-weight world champion, while Prograis will attempt to defend his belt for the second time.
The kickoff presser got heated as Bill Haney, Devin’s father, and coach, got into a verbal exchange with Prograis’ coach, Evins Tobler. The two coaches argued over the formality of the presser regarding who the A-side and B-side were. Bill did not take kindly to Tobler instructing Haney, the challenger to speak first.
Tobler: “We’re going to start with the challenger.”
Bill: “You ain’t running nothing. You got invited up here.”
Bill went on to claim that Prograis had issues securing an opponent for his fight, while Tobler took a dig at Bill’s coaching and Haney’s fight style, insinuating that Haney has been taught how to ‘run’ and that he is a ‘track star.’ The exchange took a more personal turn after Tobler took a dig at Haney’s upbringing, which Haney did not take kindly.
Tobler: “You private school kid. Who taught you that? You a private school kid.”
Bill: “Home-schooled, chump.”
Haney: “You don’t even know me. I never went to a private school in my life.”
Tobler: “You dealing with real men from the bottom, and we’re going to bust (you).”
Devin: “I’m going to beat (down) Prograis.”
The presser ended shortly after that exchange. It’s fair to say that the personal digs are adding more fuel to the fire for what is already hyped as a fantastic matchup in the junior welterweight division.
Haney vs Prograis Undercard Announced:
Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KO) will clash against Montana Love (18-1-1, 9 KO)
Andy Cruz (1 – 0) will face Hector Tanajara (21 – 1 -1, 6 KO)
Ebanie Bridges (9 -1, 4 KO) defends her IBF world bantamweight title against fellow Avril Mathie (8 – 1, 3 KO)