Trainer Stephen Edwards believes that WBC light welterweight champion Regis Prograis will have a stylistic advantage over challenger Devin Haney in their upcoming bout on DAZN PPV on December 9th. Edwards thinks it is crucial for Prograis to find a way to overcome this advantage in order to win the fight.
At just 24 years old, Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) possesses superior reach, speed, footwork, skill, and ring intelligence compared to the 34-year-old Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs).
Edwards feels that Prograis needs to figure out a strategy to neutralize Haney’s stylistic advantage and suggests that inflicting damage on Haney could be the key.
Keys to victory for Prograis:
- Apply non-stop pressure
- Try to hurt Haney
- Be fearless
- Focus on power punches
- Avoid allowing Haney to dictate the pace for too long
If Prograis fails to find a way to cut off the ring and close the distance, Haney is likely to utilize his superior boxing skills and stay on the outside to win the fight by decision, utilizing his jab effectively.
Haney learned from previous fights in which he got injured while brawling with stronger opponents. Therefore, in his bout against Prograis, he will focus on maintaining distance and boxing from the outside throughout the fight.
This strategy might not be exciting for fans to watch, but it is the safest way for Haney to secure a victory without risking getting knocked out by the bigger, stronger, and more durable Prograis.
An analogy can be drawn between Haney being like a sleek Ferrari and Prograis being an all-terrain fighter. It doesn’t make sense for Haney to engage in a fight where his opponent’s strength lies. He is unlikely to last long in such a fight.
Haney holds a stylistic advantage over Prograis
In reference to the upcoming bout between Devin Haney and WBC light welterweight champion Regis Prograis, Stephen Edwards states, “If Devin fights for a decision in this match and doesn’t get too involved with Regis, I think the match will be in his favor stylistically. Plus, he’s about 10 years younger, and that’s the real deal.” (source: mill city boxing)
Continuing his analysis, Edwards highlights that although Prograis is physically bigger, he lacks the pedigree and jab of Haney. Edwards suggests that Prograis needs to change his perception of himself following his last performance.
To succeed, Prograis must focus on wearing down Haney and capitalizing on counter shots, which have been Haney’s vulnerability. Jorge Linares had multiple opportunities to exploit this weakness in their 2021 bouts.
If Linares had known how to fight effectively in the clinch, he could have capitalized on Haney’s vulnerability. However, in the last three rounds, Haney constantly held Linares, avoiding punches and preventing him from getting shots off. Prograis cannot let Haney hold and must find a way to land shots every time Haney gets close.
Edwards also acknowledges that Prograis will face criticism on social media and needs to have high self-esteem to deal with the fallout from his previous fight against Danielito Zorrilla.
On the other hand, Haney is riding high after his recent victory over Vasily Lomachenko and is feeling confident. Edwards believes that several factors are in Haney’s favor going into this fight and considers Prograis to be a great fighter.
Edwards appreciates Prograis’ coach but believes they need to make adjustments in their approach. Rather than solely relying on his jab, Prograis needs to find a way to close the distance and neutralize Haney’s jab, which is regarded as one of the best in boxing.
Edwards emphasizes Prograis’s need to break out of Haney’s range, use footwork to avoid Haney’s jab, and find opportunities to land powerful punches. Prograis will need to utilize his heavy hands effectively to gain an advantage. Edwards recommends preparing for the fight now and getting in top shape.
Edwards concludes by stating that overcoming a stylistic advantage is what sets a special fighter apart. When facing an opponent who holds such an advantage, being able to neutralize it showcases exceptional talent and skill.
