Devin Haney and Regis Prograis are set to fight in a Super-Lightweight showdown at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California on Saturday, December 9, broadcast LIVE on DAZN in North America and worldwide.
Haney, boasting a 30-0 record with 15 KOs, is back in the Bay Area, chasing his dream of being a two-weight World champion. After a significant victory over George Kambosos Jr in Australia in June 2022, he defended his title twice. He faced Kambosos again in October and then squared off against the highly-respected Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas in May. Now, the San Francisco native has a chance to craft more history in his debut fight in his birthplace.
Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) is defending his WBC title for the second time, having successfully defended it against Danielito Zorrilla in New Orleans in April. The 34-year-old ‘Rougarou’ secured his second WBC belt last November, with an 11th round knockout against Jose Zepeda in Carson, California. Now, he’s back in California, ready to fight against the previous undisputed Lightweight champion. This significant showdown adds more glamour to DAZN’s end-of-year schedule.
Further action includes Australian Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia defending his IBF and Ring Magazine titles against Jordan Thompson in London. The subsequent weekend, Leigh Wood from Nottingham will be defending his WBA World Featherweight title against Leeds’ Josh Warrington in Sheffield.
Super-Lightweight sensation Jack Catterall gets to fight in his hometown on October 21. But Jorge Linares, the ex-World champion, cherishes his Manchester memories and hopes to create more in a significant showdown. Soon after, O’Shaquie Foster will be defending his WBC World Super-Featherweight title against the powerful Mexican, Rocky Hernandez, in Cancun, Mexico.
The action remains in the Super-Featherweight division when Matchroom heads to Monte Carlo on November 4. Joe Cordina is set to defend his IBF World title against the Texan Edward Vazquez. The next major fight on Hearn’s roster will see Diego Pacheco continue his ascent against Marcelo Coceres in Los Angeles.
In a repeat of their memorable Dublin fight, Chantelle Cameron and Katie Taylor will fight again for the Undisputed Super-Lightweight title. Following the Haney and Prograis showdown, Jesse Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards will head to Glendale, Arizona for a Flyweight unification challenge.
“It’s been a while,” voiced Haney. “Dreaming of a fight in my hometown has always been on my mind. The prospect of becoming a two-division World champion right in The City [The Bay], where my journey began, thrills me. The ambiance is bound to be electric. I haven’t stepped into the ring here since my amateur days. I eagerly await my city’s passionate support.
“I grew up imagining myself in bouts at The Oracle in Oakland. Now, the Chase Center stands as another dream arena, bridged by memories. My first goal? Ignite the Chase Center on December 9 with an unforgettable evening. My opponent? A determined and eager champion. Regis will aim for a knockout, and that’s the enthusiasm I yearn for. This is the essence of being the youngest promoter in boxing. I’m the genuine face of this sport. December 9. Legacy. Wealth.
“Admittedly, this seems challenging on paper. This is my first fight in the division. I trust the plan. God willing, my strength and speed will be unmatched. My intent? Finish him and make the Welterweight division take note.
“While it’s strictly professional, we’re still two gentlemen. Yet, within the ring, mutual respect dissipates. My mission? Deliver.”
“Can’t contain my enthusiasm for December 9,” exclaimed Prograis. “I’ve kickstarted my training and am gearing up for the spectacle.
“Devin had a decent run at 135lbs. But at 140lbs? I reign supreme. That’s a fact I’ll reiterate.
“Ever since my previous fight, Devin’s been on my radar. I’m not just aiming for a win. My goal is to overpower him. There’s nothing he brings to the table that can deter my domination. It won’t just be a win; it’ll be a rout.”
“From East Oakland to here, it’s been a phenomenal ride,” reflected Bill Haney, Devin’s father and coach. “Our essence resonates with ‘The Bay’. Bringing the dream back home is a surreal feeling.
“We’re not undermining this fight. Regis, with roots in New Orleans, is a two-time champ with a knockout punch. His confidence is evident. I foresee an agile, robust Devin Haney at 140 lbs. The exhilaration of this fight is undeniable.
“This bout exemplifies the competitors Devin seeks. Both warriors are without a fallback. Their paths are clear. It’s a do-or-die.”
“Regis is poised to validate his rank as the ultimate 140lb boxer,” opined Bobby Benton, Regis’ coach. “Haney will be a benchmark for him to showcase his prowess and intelligence.”
“I’m ecstatic that the discussion finally orbits around 2023’s most awaited bout,” proclaimed promoter Eddie Hearn. “Anticipating the same vigor in their face-off as during their pre-fight interactions. Their rivalry is evident, and the stakes are monumental. With Regis asserting his dominance at 140lbs and Devin’s aspiration of homecoming glory as a two-weight World champion, San Francisco braces for a remarkable evening.” Jared Kass, SVP North America, commented, “This is going to be an exceptional night for boxing enthusiasts. An important fight featuring two of the division’s best this December in San Francisco. Don’t miss the Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis fight LIVE on DAZN on December 9.”
Lastly, the Haney vs. Prograis fight marks the inaugural boxing event at the state-of-the-art Chase Center in San Francisco. Established in 2019, Chase Center, with a capacity of 18,064, serves as a hub for both sports and entertainment. It’s the base for the seven-time NBA champions, Golden State Warriors, and hosts San Francisco’s premier events.
