‘I think he’ll win:’ Legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach praises Devin Haney’s ability ahead of Regis Prograis fight
The 25-year-old Devin Haney already boasts an impressive resume. “The Dream” has beaten the likes of Jorge Linares, George Kambosos Jr., and Vasiliy Lomachenko and reigned as undisputed lightweight champion. He continues to grow as a fighter and always looks to be the best.
Haney moves up in weight to face Regis Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title on December 9. The bout takes place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, a homecoming fight for the California-born Haney, and will air on DAZN PPV in the U.S.
Training with his father, Bill Haney, Devin has learned to be patient and strike when the iron is hot. However, he still has plenty to learn in a sport with a long and rich history.
Enter Freddie Roach.
Considered one of the finest trainers in the sport, Roach has worked with Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, James Toney, Amir Khan, Lucia Rijker to name a few. The 63-year-old Hall of Fame coach used the knowledge from his pro career (1978-1986) to nurture and develop others within the sport. His expertise has also helped MMA fighters, including Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Andrei Arlovski.
WATCH: Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis, live on DAZN
While suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Roach remains active. He currently works with Callum Walsh, a Dana White favorite, and while training the young prospect for his most recent bout, Roach was able to spend time with Haney.
“He’s getting bigger, he’s growing. He used to be my size, but now he’s way bigger than me,” Roach told The Sporting News. “I did mitts with him… we had another great workout. He really puts his punches together on the mitts. I think he’s trying to show the people he can fight.”
Prograis is a career-long super lightweight who won the WBA title at the expense of Kiryl Relikh in 2019. A rebuild was required following a close decision loss to Josh Taylor, but Prograis rebounded to claim the WBC title by defeating Jose Zepeda in 2022. “Rougarou” has 24 wins via knockout while the sharp-shooting Haney has 15 knockouts in 30 fights.
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Initially given WBC champion “in recess” status, Haney has now relinquished all the lightweight belts to focus on super lightweight. Roach believes he has the skills to take over at 140 pounds, a division where Progais, Teofimo Lopez, and Subriel Matias reside as champions. After that, he would like to see him at 147.
Per Bet MGM, Haney is the -350 favorite, while Prograis is the +275 underdog.
Seeing Haney in action, Roach doesn’t see any reason to go against the odds.
“I like him [Haney] in the fight. Regis is a good fighter, and the best man will win. It’s not going to be easy to win, but I think his style and the way he puts his punches together, I think he’ll win,” Roach said.