Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis odds, betting trends, predictions, expert picks for 2023 boxing fight

The Sporting News
 
Devin Haney vs Regis Prograis odds, betting trends, predictions, expert picks for 2023 boxing fight

Devin Haney leaves his undisputed lightweight titles behind as he moves up to super lightweight to challenge Regis Prograis for his WBC 140-pound championship on December 9 at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) is coming off the biggest victory of his career, a unanimous decision victory over Vasily Lomachenko in defense of his undisputed titles in May. He may have just turned 25 but he has routinely challenged himself against the best boxing has to offer. After traveling to Australia twice to dominate George Kambosos, Haney made his way up the pound-for-pound rankings. If he's able to secure another world title against one of the best 140-pound fighters in the world, it will be hard to deny his greatness at such a young age.

But Regis Prograis isn't here to watch a coronation. 

Prograis (29-1, 24 KOs) has been one of boxing's best-kept secrets over the past few years. The former super lightweight champion lost a narrow decision to Josh Taylor in 2019 but has routinely turned in impressive performances and stellar knockouts. The 34-year-old knocked out four consecutive opponents following his loss to Taylor before going to a split decision with Danielito Zorrilla in his last outing. 

Although his last fight wasn't up to his standard, Prograis is looking to prove to the world that he's worthy of being mentioned among boxing's elite when he faces Haney. As for "The Dream," he's out to collect more hardware as he continues his remarkable journey in boxing. 

The Sporting News provides insight on how to bet on his matchup. 

Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis Betting Odds

Per DraftKings, Devin Haney is a -450 favorite while Regis Prograis is listed as a +310 underdog

Betting trends for Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis

  • Haney via KO/TKO: +750
  • Haney via Decision: -235
  • Prograis via KO/TKO: +630
  • Prograis via Decision: +700
  • Draw: +1800

Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis prediction, best bets

The betting line for this fight is fascinating because Haney is just as big of a favorite against Prograis as Ryan Garcia was for his fight against Oscar Duarte. 

That sounds insane. 

It can be argued that oddsmakers are totally disrespecting Prograis as the champion and have based the line on his last underwhelming performance against Danielito Zorrilla. But Prograis has been excellent throughout his career and the only blemish was a narrow majority decision loss to Josh Taylor in 2019. 

Prograis has underrated defense and a jab to go along with his power. He’s a tough out for anybody in the weight class. However, at 34 years of age, he’ll enter the ring nine years older than Haney, who is only getting better. He’ll no longer have to drain himself as he’ll make his debut at 140 pounds, which could give him an edge in the fight. But the idea that Haney is almost a 5/1 favorite makes this very difficult to find value in. Even at -235 for Haney to win a decision (the most likely scenario) is tough to bet.

Because this a “best bets” piece, the recommendation to bet Haney straight up in a very difficult challenge is a bridge too far. There is some comfort in Haney by decision at -235 but something tells me that this fight may end up being a lot closer and end in a bit of controversy. 

If you’re asking for a prediction, go with Haney by decision. However, if you want the best value, take Prograis by decision at +700 for the most bang for your buck.

The Sporting News prediction: Devin Haney via Decision (-235)