Regis Prograis has told WBN he wants a rematch with Devin Haney following a weight rule break before their San Francisco clash.
Haney scaled 140 pounds as he challenged Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title. However, “The Dream” then rehydrated to 165 pounds for fight night. That’s an increase of 18 percent in the hours between the weigh-in and the first bell.
At the time, neither said anything and the content went ahead, with Haney winning dominantly on the scorecards. Months later, Prograis learned about the California State Athletic Commission rule that had been passed in 2019, prohibiting any fighter from going above 15 percent body weight. In fact, the CSAC had vowed to cancel any bout that broke those rules.
Had Prograis known it then, the fight would never have gone ahead, and he would still have the WBC championship.
Speaking to World Boxing News in an exclusive interview, Prograis was asked about calling for a no-contest or even contemplating legal action. He responded: “The rules were broken against the California Commission.
“He was way overweight, but I’m not taking any legal action against the Commission. As long as the people know what went on, I’m good with that. Now, my goal is to be a three-time world champion. I’ll be happy with a rematch with Devin Haney on an even playing field.”
On what he made of promoter Eddie Hearn – who represents Haney, keeping quiet on the matter and not speaking up for Prograis, “Rougarou” added: “I don’t need no type of apology [from Hearn]. I’m still with Matchroom and don’t expect Eddie to side with me. I told him a long time ago that Devin was his boy. But I’m just going to run through that stable. It’s cool. It’s all coming out now, and I don’t really have to say too much about it. Everybody knows what happened,” concluded Prograis.
Haney remains embroiled in a Commission fight of his own with the New York State Athletic Commission over Ryan Garcia. The multi-weight champion wants Garcia’s victory thrown out over two drug test fails ratified last week by the opening of a B-sample.
Despite keeping his title as Garcia failed to make the weight, Haney still wants his undefeated record preserved. A no-contest ruling would do that as Haney’s legal team pushes for the unlikely overturning of the result to a victory.
Prograis will announce his next move in the coming weeks.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
