By Adam Baskin: Promoter Eddie Hearn reports that the fight between Regis Prograis & Devin Haney is “virtually agreed” for Regis’ WBC light welterweight title, but he also warns that they’re “running out of time” to get the talks wrapped up.
Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) recently petitioned the WBC to allow him to freeze his lightweight title, allowing him to bypass his mandatory challenger Shakur Stevenson, to go up to 140 to try and become a two-division world champion by defeating Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs).
It’s believed that the World Boxing Council will grant Haney’s request. However, if they choose not to, it’s thought that Haney will then ask for the Franchise tag, which would allow him to avoid Shakur for as long as he desires.
Prograis came close to losing his last fight in June against Danielito Zorrilla, just barely squeaking by with a twelve round split decision after getting dropped in round two and staggered in in the third.
It’s generally believed that Progais’ poor showing against Zorrilla is what piqued Haney’s interest. Like a wolf that has spotted weaknesses in its’ prey, Haney, with his keen eye, likely saw an old lame fighter on his last legs, ready to be picked off for an easy meal.
“The fight is not made. I don’t believe that will be the date [October 28th], but I spoke to Bill Haney today, I spoke to Devin Haney today, and we’re speaking to Regis Prograis nonstop,” said Eddie Hearn to iFL TV, giving an update on the Regis Prograis vs. Devin Haney negotiations.
“Both fighters are up for the fight but haven’t agreed to terms. At the same time, they’ve virtually agreed to terms, but there’s still some work to do. I think it’s very likely we’ll see that fight, but we are running out of time.
“We need to conclude it in the next 24 to 48 hours with the WBC, but that’s the fight we want to make. It’s a tremendous fight, and hopefully, we’ll be up tonight trying to get it over the line,” said Hearn.
Haney needs a world title at 140 to use as a bargaining chip to negotiate a deal for a mega-fight against WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
If the Prograis-Haney fight isn’t made, it’s likely we’ll see Haney opt to request the WBC to give him the Franchise tag, and then he’ll look to make an easy defense against his mandatory challengers George Kambosos Jr or Isaac ‘Pibtull’ Cruz.
