For Regis Prograis, the boxing world revolves around a singular focus: Devin Haney. This fixation is more than just a passing thought; Haney invades Prograis’ dreams, inspires his training, and is the first thing on his mind each morning. Prograis, recently turned 25, channels this obsession into a burning desire to defeat Haney, whom he perceives as flamboyant and superficial, lacking real substance in the ring. This intense focus on Haney, set for a face-off on December 9th, temporarily shifted this weekend with the intriguing match-up between David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade.
However, it wasn’t just the main event that captured Prograis' attention. The performance of Subriel Matias, known for his aggressive, unyielding boxing style, also drew Prograis’ interest. Matias, recognized for his ruthless approach in the ring and his indifference to making friends, was on Prograis’ radar, especially since Matias has been vocal about challenging him. Watching Matias’ recent fight, Prograis was initially unsurprised by the early dominance of Shohjahon Ergashev. Yet, true to form, Matias turned the tide in the third round, transforming the bout into what seemed like an exercise in precision and power.
Over the next four rounds, Matias’ dominance was undisputed. Every punch he intended to land found its mark, showcasing a blend of technique and brute force. The fight culminated with Ergashev, exhausted and outmatched, unable to continue, reinforcing Matias’ reputation as a formidable opponent. Prograis, 34, was impressed but not distracted from his primary target, Haney. Nevertheless, the performance compelled him to publicly acknowledge Matias as a potential future adversary, proposing a high-stakes clash for 2024, a testament to Prograis’ commitment to facing the best in the sport.
This story encapsulates the life of a dedicated boxer like Prograis, where rivalries and challenges are not just about winning titles but also about proving oneself against the best. The mental and physical preparation, the study of opponents, and the anticipation of future matchups form the essence of a boxer’s journey. For Prograis, every fight is a step towards cementing his legacy in the boxing world, with Haney and potentially Matias as key milestones in this relentless pursuit.
Image Credit: DAZN