When it’s time to give credit, Ryan Garcia has no problem doing it.
For several years now, the wildly popular super lightweight contender has wanted to get his hands on Devin Haney. He doesn’t loathe him, but the two have developed a rivalry that goes back to their adolescence.
In the amateurs, Garcia and Haney went 3-3 against one another. In the pros, although they haven’t squared off yet, both believe it’s just a matter of time. In the meantime, they’ll continue to go in separate directions.
Garcia is fresh off an eighth-round stoppage win over Oscar Duarte this past weekend, and this Saturday night, Haney will make his second appearance of 2023 when he takes on Regis Prograis.
On paper, the skill boxes are ostensibly checked in Haney’s favor. But, in terms of power and aggression, that’s all Prograis. By and large, Garcia can’t wait to grab his ringside seat and check it out. Nevertheless, while he’s looking forward to watching, he believes he has a good idea of who will actually win.
“You gotta give the edge to Devin Haney, pure boxer,” said Garcia on Fight Hub TV. “He just knows what he’s doing in there. I like his game.”
Prograis knows himself better than anyone. In his opinion, he would be a fool to try and match Haney wit for wit and engage in a chess match. Instead, Prograis is of the belief that Haney’s chin is his weak point. From the moment the opening bell rings, he’ll sprint over to the 25-year-old and begin unleashing countless bombs until the designated referee waves things off.
Prograis’ aggression, however, isn’t the right game plan to follow according to Garcia. If power is all he has to bring to the table, the current WBC 140-pound champ can expect a long night at the pugilistic office.
“I think his game is gonna be too much for Regis. I just don’t think he’s sharp enough to beat Devin Haney.”