Regis Prograis welcomes Devin Haney to the super-lightweight division on December 2 in San Francisco, but there’s no love lost between the two champions.
Haney became undisputed at 135lbs with a win over George Kambosos Jr. He has retained those four belts in a rematch and then in a close fight with Vasily Lomachenko.
Now, he’s followed through on a promise to move up to 140 and become a two-weight titlist at the age of 24. The man standing in his way is Prograis, who is currently in his second stint as champion.
Ahead of a kick-off press conference this week, Prograis floated a theory that his opponent had paid for a loss to be removed from his record early in his career.
“So I’m hearing Devin lost a fight in Mexico earlier in his career but he paid to take it off his record. IF that’s true that’s the weakest s**t I ever heard so far in boxing. Press conference is Tuesday and y’all reporters better not let this s**t slide.”
Haney fought ten of his first 15 bouts in Tijuana, Mexico, sharpening his tools on an unforgiving club circuit without the backing of a major promoter.
He has now responded to Prograis’ post by saying that the accusation was first made by lightweight rival, Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, and suggested it was ridiculous.
“Only a dumbass would believe some s**t like that… this info is coming from Rolly that should tell you enough.”
The pair will have plenty of time to discuss when they came face-to-face this week ahead of their bout, set for DAZN PPV in the States and as part of the regular subscription in the UK.