A massive showdown takes place this weekend in San Francisco, with Devin Haney challenging for the super-lightweight world title against champion Regis Prograis. It’s a gamble for the 25-year-old Haney, who started his professional career in 2015 at the age of seventeen and is already 30-0 with 15 KOs.
However, that isn’t to say Haney is making a clever choice. The champion Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) is trying to get over a lack-lustre fight in his native New Orleans against Danielito Zorrilla and possibly has pressure mounting on him. We break down the betting odds from bookmaker William Hill ahead of this clash and outline the best bets to make on Haney vs. Prograis this weekend.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 8th, 6:15 P.M. (GMT)
Bookmaker William Hill believes we’ll be seeing the belt change hands this weekend, with Haney sitting at odds of just 1.28 to win. These are significantly lower than those of Prograis winning, with the champion coming in at 3.50.
Looking at the method of victory odds, a decision in favour of Haney is the overwhelming favourite outcome at 1.40. Behind this, the other three results–a knockout for either man, or a decision to Prograis–all come in at 7.00, with a draw at 19.00. Given these skewed odds, the question must be asked: does Prograis stand a chance?
※ Current Odds Date & Time: December 8th, 6:15 P.M. (GMT)
We say it would be foolish to expect the champion to relinquish his title without a full-fledged fight. Haney isn’t a fighter who thrives on knockout, with just half of his victories coming early, compared to more than 80 percent for Prograis. The veteran is powerful, yet he is likely to struggle against the fleet-footed Haney because of his poor skills and footwork.
Haney’s skillful counter-punching should allow him to take advantage of Prograis’ calculated risks in the ring. With Prograis at 34 and Haney at 25, age may also play a role. Prograis may be powerful, but Haney’s youth, greater ability, and ease at 140 pounds should tilt the scales in Haney’s favour.
If Haney has another great night, the formula will undoubtedly be a familiar one. The American should be expected to try to stay out of danger the entire time, managing the distance and winning rounds with his jab, keeping him out of Prograis’s power. His past seven victories have come on points.
All this to say, we believe it is fairly safe to bet that Haney is going to win by a technical decision, the odds of which are 1.40. This is favourable enough considering all the pre-match analysis being hugely in favour of the challenger.
