Following a successful defence of his WBC Super Lightweight World title in New Orleans, Regis Prograis promptly spoke to Devin Haney about stepping inside the ropes.
Prograis’ start wasn’t ideal against Danielito Zorrilla – he touched the canvas in the first round, but the referee decided not to rule it a knockdown.
Things looked up in the third, with the hometown man getting into his groove and landing the most substantial shot of the fight, dropping Zorrilla with a left hand.
The rest of the fight saw the champion attempting to stalk his challenger across the ring to varying degrees of success. He ended up with a split decision victory to retain the title in a frustrating fight.
Whilst it wasn’t the statement Prograis wanted, on he moves to some potentially huge clashes. Whilst he’s keen on unifying the belts in the division with one of the current belt holders, he’s been linked strongly with Devin Haney – the undisputed champion a division down.
It’s no secret Haney is looking to move up to 140lbs in the near future, and promoter Eddie Hearn has offered him the Prograis bout.
The two fighters hopped on a video call post-fight, orchestrated by Haney’s father and trainer, Bill. Prograis told Haney to not underestimate him.
“What’s up. Me and you next, Devin. I’m gonna f**k you up. I’ma tell you in front of your dad, I’ma whoop your ass. Don’t get that one performance f***ed up. I’ma bust your ass. It ain’t gonna be like that with you, you know that huh? Hopfully we see each other next.”
Whilst Haney’s replies are hard to hear, his smile says he would be confident of becoming a two-weight world champion if the fight is made.
Prograis has now completed one of a three-fight deal with Hearn’s Matchroom, and is aiming for Haney and a unification before the terms are revisited.