Who is Regis Prograis, the boxer headlining the December 9 event?

Regis Prograis is the WBC light welterweight champion. The 34-year-old boxer will attempt the second defense of his title against lightweight world champion Devin Haney on December 9, 2023.

Fighting out of Houston, Texas, Regis Prograis turned professional in 2012 after a stellar 87-7 record as an amateur. 'Rogarou' is 29-1 as a pro with 24 wins coming via knockout. Prograis's only loss came at the hands of British fighter Josh Taylor. The New Orleans native lost his WBA super welterweight title to Taylor via majority decision in 2019.

Prograis, who trains alongside Evander Holyfield in Houston, recuperated and made a comeback against Juan Heraldez in 2020. Prograis stopped Heraldez in the third round via TKO and regained his momentum.

He then defeated Ivan Redkach via TKO on the Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren undercard in April 2021. Despite being a master of sweet science, Regis Prograis isn't irked by a YouTuber and a former MMA star headlining a pro boxing fight card. Prograis even highlighted that the event would draw the general public's attention to the sport.

Following a win over Tyrone McKenna in March 2022, Prograis captured the vacant WBC light welterweight title by defeating Jose Zepeda via a 12th-round knockout. He successfully defended the title against Daniel Zorilla in June 2023.

Although the aura of invincibility around Regis Prograis was stripped after the Josh Taylor loss, he has established himself as one of the best fighters of his time with a resurgent run in the professional boxing circuit.

The sanctioning body's Board of Governors was split in their vote about a light welterweight title fight between Prograis and lightweight world champion Devin Haney. However, the WBC gave a green signal to pursue the fight. It was officially announced on September 26, 2023.

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Devin Haney favored to win against Regis Prograis

Although Regis Prograis is the champion of the upper weight class, betting odds favor his challenger Devin Haney to emerge victoriously on December 9. Haney, who is undefeated as a professional boxer, is coming off a unanimous decision win over Vasiliy Lomachenko. However, many people thought that Lomachenko deserved the judges' nod.

Heading into this weekend's fight, Prograis is a +400 underdog. Meanwhile, Devin Haney is a -300 favorite. The fight will headline the event that will be aired live on DAZN PPV and DAZN depending on viewers' location.

The event will start at 8 PM ET and the main event participants are expected to make their walks to the ring at approximately 10:40 PM ET.