Devin Haney, the former undisputed champion at 135 pounds, is stepping into the junior welterweight division for a highly anticipated fight against WBC champion Regis Prograis. This move marks a significant point in Haney's career, bringing new challenges and opportunities. This article explores Haney's weight loss strategies, his physical transformation, and the implications of this change as he aims to conquer the 140-pound division.
Haney's Transition to Junior Welterweight
Haney's decision to move up to 140 pounds is driven by several factors. He says that it "was taking everything out of me to make 135," and that it "became a point where my sacrifice wasn't even respected." After campaigning as the undisputed champion at 135 pounds, Haney now has an extra five pounds to work with leading into his junior welterweight debut. He is more at ease during this camp since he can eat more and even rest more.
Physical Transformation
Observers note that Haney's back is visibly larger, showcasing increased muscular definition and width. At 5-foot-8, Haney appears well-suited for the weight class, dispelling notions of him being an undersized boxer seeking an easy title.
The Prograis Challenge
Instead of opting for a typical "tune-up fight," Haney is immediately challenging a dangerous southpaw puncher in Prograis. This decision underscores Haney's ambition and confidence in his abilities. "I never thought about [an easy first fight at 140]," said Haney, ESPN's No. 7 pound-for-pound boxer. "I am a throwback fighter. I want big-money fights. I'm not into fighting no-name guys or people who I really can't really gain off of just to win a title."
Contrasting Approaches
Historically, fighters moving up in weight often face lesser opponents initially. Oscar De La Hoya, upon moving from 147 to 154 pounds, fought Javier Castillejo. Similarly, Shakur Stevenson's 130-pound debut was against Jeremiah Nakathila. Haney's choice to face Prograis head-on demonstrates his willingness to take risks and challenge himself against top-tier competition.
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Punching Power and Resistance
A key concern for Haney is whether he can maintain his punching power and withstand the blows of bigger, stronger opponents at 140 pounds. While some fighters experience enhanced power at a higher weight class, others see a decline. Floyd Mayweather, known for his punching prowess at 130 and 135 pounds, didn't have the same reputation at 147 and 154 pounds.
Haney's Track Record
Haney's knockout record is mixed. While he had notable stoppages early in his career, such as his 2019 KO of Antonio Moran, he hasn't secured a stoppage win in his last seven fights. These bouts were against formidable opponents like Jorge Linares, Joseph "JoJo" Diaz Jr., George Kambosos Jr., and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Prograis's Perspective
Prograis has openly questioned Haney's punching power, stating, "You haven't had a knockout in four years. … Who have you knocked out? Nobody." Haney acknowledges the need to prove his power at 140 pounds. "Will I be much stronger? A hundred percent," Haney said. "Will I go in there and get the knockout? God willing. Inshallah."
The Importance of Proper Weight Management
Jamaine Ortiz, advised by Bill Haney, emphasizes the significance of fighting at the right weight. He said that "just cutting a lot of weight … takes away a lot of the potential we have and the power we have, the stress we put onto our bodies. Safe to say 90 percent of fighters are fighting at the wrong weight."
Avoiding Dehydration
Ortiz also noted that fighters who dehydrate themselves are more prone to knockouts and knockdowns, underscoring the dangers of extreme weight cutting. "Even when I watched fights from back in the day and people used to dehydrate themselves, they get knocked out, they get knocked down. And it's very dangerous," Ortiz said. "So I definitely think when you fight at the appropriate weight class, your ability to come out of the sport safely, where all your fundamentals, your tools, your mind sharp, comes with having a safe weight loss."
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Concerns About Haney's Chin
Despite Haney's undefeated record and defensive skills, questions linger about his ability to absorb punches, and in 30 pro fights, Haney has never tasted the canvas and never been on the verge of being knocked down.
Linares Fight
In his fight against Jorge Linares in May 2021, Haney was visibly wobbled by a clean right hand in the 10th round. This moment amplified concerns about his chin, especially moving up in weight against a powerful puncher like Prograis.
Haney's Defense
Haney is known for his defensive prowess, measuring range effectively and avoiding clean shots. However, even in his fight against Diaz, he was hit with some sharp overhand lefts.
Trainer's Perspective
Bill Haney expresses confidence in Devin's ability to withstand punches, citing his resilience against Lomachenko. "Belief in his chin stems from withstanding 'a Loma flurry with [eight-ounce gloves on," said the eldest Haney. "Regis Prograis seems to think that he has more punching power than Loma. I beg to differ. I think that they're both incredibly talented. Devin is pretty sharp. So he was seeing the punches that came from Loma."
Prograis's Power
Prograis is known for his knockout power, with four consecutive wins inside the distance before his lackluster split-decision win over Danielito Zorrilla in June. His 11th-round KO of Jose Zepeda showcased his ability to end fights with a single shot.
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Haney's Mindset
Haney asserts that he is more relaxed and focused now that he is no longer struggling to make weight. "Before I was training to make the weight," he said. "Right now I'm training to get better and focus on strategy and stuff like that. And it feels good, man. It's been a long time coming."
Overcoming Doubts
Haney aims to silence his critics once again, taking on a tough challenge in Prograis. He is preparing for a grueling fight where he will need to rely on his skills, athleticism, and ring IQ.
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