Regis Prograis, once the reigning champion, emerged from the brutal battle at the Chase Center in San Francisco with the visible scars of his defeat against Devin Haney, the newly crowned WBC junior-welterweight world champion. Prograis, displaying raw honesty, admitted Haney's superiority, acknowledging the unexpected power and skill that led to his shutout defeat. Despite the battered state of his face during the post-fight press conference, Prograis expressed sincere praise for Haney's masterclass performance. The 25-year-old Haney, now a two-weight champion, showcased his prowess in his junior-welter debut, leaving Prograis, who had previously belittled Haney's abilities, with newfound respect.
In the aftermath of the fight, Prograis, though bruised and beaten, remained resilient, vowing not to give up on his goal of becoming a three-time world champion. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, mistakenly congratulated Haney, emphasizing the shift in dynamics and acknowledging the changing of the guard in the boxing world.
Meanwhile, Haney, untouched and adorned with luxury, celebrated his victory with confidence. Reflecting on his transformation from the lightweight division, Haney attributed his success to no longer enduring the taxing weight cuts. Haney's father, Bill, touted his son's exceptional skills, even hinting at a potential future showdown with pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford.
Haney dismissed critics who questioned his knockout power, asserting his dominance over Prograis. He expressed a desire to face Ryan Garcia, downplayed the possibility of a match with Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, and underscored his eagerness for lucrative matchups. The article closes with a contrast between the glittering future ahead for Haney and the dignified, yet sobering, departure of Prograis, who, despite the loss, showcased championship character and composure.