BoxRec

Jovanni Straffon Tabbed To Face Andy Cruz On Prograis-Haney Card, Pending Visa Approval

A replacement opponent has been secured for Andy Cruz.

BS.com has confirmed that Mexico’s Jovanni Straffon has accepted an offer to face the Olympic Gold medalist and advanced pro boxing rookie. The bout is not yet finalized, but is trending in the right direction for Cruz to maintain his place on the December 9 Regis Prograis-Devin Haney DAZN Pay-Per-View undercard.

The lone remaining issue is for Straffon to obtain his travel visa. Boxing Scene was informed that the process is expected to be completed by Friday, in time for Straffon to cross the border for the scheduled ten-round junior welterweight contest at the Chase Center, home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, California.

Once settled, Straffon will replace San Antonio’s Hector Tanajara (21-1-1, 6KOs) who—as Boxing Scene previously reported—suffered an injury and was forced to withdraw from the crossroads fight.

Cruz (1-0, 0KOs) was adamant about facing an opponent on that level for just his second pro bout.

The former amateur standout—a Gold medalist for Cuba during the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics—defected from his homeland and eventually made his way to the U.S. to embark on his pro career. The Miami-based junior welterweight turned pro on July 15 with a ten-round, unanimous decision over former title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in Detroit, Michigan.

Straffon (26-5-1, 19KOs) provides a very different look than what Cruz would have seen from Tanajara, a 5’10” orthodox fighter.

Cruz will actually enjoy a three-inch height advantage over Straffon, a 5’6” southpaw from Mexico City who boasts heavier hands than both Tanajara and Burgos.

Straffon won ten in a row at one point, including a first-round knockout of James Tennyson to claim the IBO lightweight title in May 2021 on the road in Manchester, England. He came up short in his immediate return to the UK just four months later in a September 2021 twelve-round, unanimous decision defeat to Maxi Hughes in Leeds.

The setback to Hughes marked a pattern of win one, lose one over his last four starts. Straffon rebounded from a fifth-round stoppage to Zaur Abdullaev last September with a sixth-round knockout of Peru’s Jesus Bravo on July 22 in Metepec, Mexico.

This development comes on the heels of another resolved undercard crisis.

As previously reported by Boxing Scene, IBF bantamweight titlist Ebanie Bridges will now face Miyo Yoshida, a Japan-born, New York City-based former two-time WBO junior bantamweight titlist. Australia’s Bridges was previously due to face countrywoman Avril Mathie, who was pulled from the fight due to an undisclosed injury,

Cruz is part of a four-fight PPV telecast, topped by the WBC junior welterweight title fight.

Prograis (29-1, 24KOs)—a New Orleans-bred two-time titlist now based in the greater Houston area—will attempt the second defense of his second title reign in the evening’s main event.

Las Vegas’s Haney (30-0, 15KOs)—who was born in San Francisco—will move up from lightweight, where he is the recognized lineal and unified WBA, IBF and WBO champion as he bids to become a two-weight champ. The 24-year-old returns to his birth city, where he will fight for the first time atop a show which is approaching sold-out status on current ticket inventory.

Devin Haney Relinquishes All Lightweight Belts Ahead of Regis Prograis WBC 140-Pound Title Challenge

Devin Haney is officially done with the lightweight division.

BS.com has confirmed that the unbeaten lineal champion has given up all remaining physical titles at the weight to campaign at junior welterweight and higher. Haney informed ESPN.com’s Mike Coppinger of the decision to relinquish the WBA, IBF and WBO titles he claimed last June.

The move comes as Las Vegas’ Haney (30-0, 15 KOs) will challenge WBC junior welterweight titlist Regis Prograis on December 9 at the Chase Center in his birth town of San Francisco, California.

Haney appeared on borrowed time at lightweight,even headed into his May 20 unanimous decision victory over former three-division titlist Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas. The win marked the second successful defense of the undisputed lightweight championship and Haney’s seventh overall of the WBC title.

The sanctioning bodies began prodding the 25-year-old of his future title status earlier this summer. First was the WBO, who checked in to see if Haney would move up to junior welterweight to potentially challenge lineal and WBO 140-pound king Teofimo Lopez. Haney was then on the clock with the WBC, who ordered a mandatory title defense versus unbeaten Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs).

Haney informed the WBC of his decision to instead challenge for its 140-pound belt, at which point he was downgraded to ‘Champion in Recess’ at lightweight. Stevenson won the vacant WBC 135-pound title in a twelve-round, unanimous decision victory over Edwin De Los Santos on November 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

No other mandatories were yet ordered, but Haney decided to let go of the belts rather than have the sanctioning bodies pick them off one at a time.

Haney held the WBA ‘Super’ title which will be removed from existence per the organization’s ongoing title reduction policy. Baltimore-bred knockout artist and boxing superstar Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) will convert his ‘Regular’ title into the WBA’s full belt at the weight.

It has been reported by several outlets that former titlists George Kambosos and Lomachenko are in talks to fight for what would now be a vacant title fight. Kambosos beat Lopez via split decision in their November 2021 thriller to win the lineal and unified WBA, IBF and WBO championship, which he lost to Haney in their undisputed championship last June in Melbourne.

Kambosos lost to Haney in their rematch last October but worked his way back into contention with a twelve-round points win over England’s Maxi Hughes. Their July 22 clash was for the number-two position in the IBF lightweight rankings. He is now the highest rated available contender, after Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos was removed after badly missing weight for a planned but ultimately canceled stay-busy fight.

Lomachecko became the benefactor of that development. The Ukrainian southpaw is ranked number three by the IBF and number one with the WBO.

Should the Kambosos fight materlalize, the WBO belt would then be up for grabs between the two highest ranked and available contenders. K2 Promotions-Ukraine founder Alex Krassyuk openly campaigned during the WBO convention for Denys Berinchyk to be assured a shot at the title should it become available.

Immediately following Berinchyk is Mexico City’s Isaac Cruz, who is also ranked number one with the WBA and has long campaigned for a rematch versus Davis. One spot below Cruz is Tijuana knockout artist Angel Fierro (22-1-2, 17 KOs), who is promoted by BXSTRS and Matchroom Boxing.

Hoping Regis took his eye off the ball in his last (poor) outing and he gets back to somewhere near his best for this one, he will certainly need to be performing but I'd be happy to see him pull it off. The underwhelming nature of his previous win might have actually allowed this fight to happen with the Haney camp fancying their chances against a top fighter potentially on the slide. You'd certainly expect Prograis to be the biggest puncher Haney has faced so far by a distance but getting off his power shots regularly enough will be the challenge, looking forward to this one.

Fight Week!!

Haney on points in a very close one. I thought Prograis beat Taylor.

prograis was so bad last time, thought he was defo beaten by dani zorrila. hoping he's much better this time and we get a good one

Cruz facing Straffon in his second or third fight. That’s absurd.

Correct me if I’m wrong but Straffon is the bad mofo who got in with power puncher James Tennyson, gave no fucks and flattened him?

jameswilson wrote: ↑04 Dec 2023, 08:38 Cruz facing Straffon in his second or third fight. That’s absurd.

Correct me if I’m wrong but Straffon is the bad mofo who got in with power puncher James Tennyson, gave no fucks and flattened him?

It's strong matchmaking, but Eddie Hearn and Kevin Rooney Jnr know enough about him to know he'll lose.

jameswilson wrote: ↑04 Dec 2023, 08:38 Cruz facing Straffon in his second or third fight. That’s absurd.

Correct me if I’m wrong but Straffon is the bad mofo who got in with power puncher James Tennyson, gave no fucks and flattened him?

Also the poor boxer who got 12-0'd by Maxi Hughes. If Cruz doesn't try to prove how macho he is a la Tennyson, which I can't see why he would, it'll likely be relatively plain sailing for him.

Great match up but could be a stinker,, thought both men lost their last fights, still looking forward to it

Haney to run all night. Prograis won't have the feet or ability to cut the ring off on him. Haney UD seems nailed on.

Undercard Press Conference

Main event press conference

Weigh in

jameswilson wrote: ↑27 Sep 2023, 20:24

Monzon83 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2023, 20:07 Haney gets another boring points win. He’s talented but not great to watch. He seems to be very well protected by judges as well..

Tim Bradley and Devon Alexander were both boring as hell but both made good money and seemed to do high US ppv numbers consdering. I see a fair few similarities between haney and Bradley. Very tough to beat, usually wins boring decisions. Similar weight. American. impressive on the scale.

I see other similarities between Bradley and Devin with the judges.

Does anyone know who the ref is going to be as well as the judges? I'm trying to find out, and so far, I can't find any information on that.

FIGHT PICKS: DEVIN HANEY VS. REGIS PROGRAIS

Here’s how the experts see it:
THE RING

DOUG FISCHER: PROGRAIS LATE TKO
“I know I’m going against the ‘chalk’ and the opinions of the majority of fans and media interested in this fascinating stylistic matchup of top-tier fighters, and maybe I’m biased because of my southern Louisiana roots, but I envision Prograis scoring a dramatic come-from-behind stoppage in the championship rounds. Maybe this is a heart pick but it didn’t come easy. There are X-factors to this matchup, such as Haney’s new weight class and the wear and tear on Prograis’ body. Like most observers, I believe that Haney will be stronger and athletic with more stamina weighing in five pounds heavier than he has for his entire pro career. He’s got the frame to fight comfortably at welterweight and he’s entering his physical prime at age 25. Prograis is nine years older at 34 and there’s a very real possibility that he ‘died on the vine’ between his two world title victories (vs. Kiryl Relikh in early 2019 and Jose Zepeda in late 2022). He’s had his share of hard fights and it’s possible that making 140 pounds no longer agrees with his aging body. However, while Prograis is past his athletic prime, he’s far from shot and his spirit will be up for this showdown. Stylistically, Haney will pose problems that were exposed in Prograis’ last fight. He was unable to cut the ring off on Zorrilla. However, part of why Zorrilla was able to neutralize Prograis’ aggression was his refusal to engage after his knockdown in Round 3. Haney is young, confident and feeling stronger than ever. I don’t he’s going to try to stink it out. I think he’ll seek to control the distance with authority, pumping a hard, busy jab. He’ll let his hands go a lot more than Zorrilla and give Prograis opportunities to counter and press. Lomachenko had success forcing Haney to the ropes throughout their close fight. Prograis doesn’t have Loma’s footwork to quickly close the gap, or the creative angles in close, but I think given enough rounds, he’ll find the mark, and unlike the smaller Ukrainian, his punches will do damage. He might be able to turn the fight with one shot, but I see battle of attrition over the second half of the bout. Haney has excellent experience for fighter his age, but he’s not a kill-or-be-killed type of dude. He doesn’t have Prograis’ grit and determination after 10 rounds. I think Prograis overwhelms a game Haney in Round 11 or 12.”

ANSON WAINWRIGHT: HANEY UD
“An excellent clash of styles. Haney looked like he had outgrown the lightweight division when he fought Lomachenko last time out, so the extra five-pound should help him. While Prograis didn’t look himself when he met Danielito Zorrilla. Neither man can afford to fight like they did in their last fight and will have to return to their best. I can see either a path to victory for both men. However, I lean towards, the younger Haney. I feel his movement will give Prograis a lot of trouble and when he is in front of the defending titleholder, he’ll keep him honest with the jab and right hands. Prograis will pile forward in the middle rounds and have some success but ultimately, Haney will win a unanimous decision, something like 8-4, which translates to 116-112.”

LEE GROVES: HANEY PTS
“There is a path for Prograis to win: Get inside, rough him up, blast the body and especially hurt Haney early. If he can do that, all bets are off because Haney has been hit and hurt by smaller men than “Rougarou,” who is also a good finisher. However, my head says Haney on points because he’s younger by nine years, he’s fresher and he’s an excellent long-range boxer with plenty of title-fight experience. If he can establish his jab against the southpaw as well as dig in the body shots that have become an important part of his game, he will be well on his way to victory. It also helps that the fight is being staged in Haney’s birthplace of San Francisco, though it appears he’s much more associated with Las Vegas. Prograis will be better than he showed against Zorrilla and Haney will be better than he showed against Lomachenko, so we should be in for a fascinating fight.”

DIEGO MORILLA: HANEY PTS
“It may end up being a wider decision win for Haney, but I am betting on a very close points win for him. Prograis is always super motivated and in great shape, but it takes a special kind of ring IQ to overcome everything Haney has to offer, and I haven’t seen it in him yet. If the fight is close in the last few rounds, Haney has the tools to find a way to win the last few points at play and get the ‘W’. A walk in the park it won’t be for anyone, but it’s clearly Haney’s fight to lose.”

MARTY MULCAHEY: HANEY UD
“I refuse to jump off the Devin Haney bandwagon, despite believing he lost to Lomachenko, and find the criticism of his record unfounded. Also been an admirer of Regis Prograis for his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere. So, this is hard, but in an evenly matched pairing, I am going with younger and slicker Haney. I look for Haney to frustrate the more aggressive ‘Rougarou’, countering and moving to establish better positions in the middle of the ring. By the fourth Regis is hesitating while Haney times his shots. Ultimately, what Haney learned from the Loma fight gets him a unanimous decision victory against Prograis.”

NORM FRAUENHEIM: HANEY UD
“Haney is younger, fresher and anxious to make an impression in a junior-welterweight debut in front of a hometown crowd. That said, he’ll have to keep his emotions in check. Regis Prograis’ skillset showed some erosion in his last outing. But he’s still got power, enough of it to upset Haney if he gets careless. Haney knows that. Expect him to employ his smarts, agile feet and terrific jab to control the distance and the fight.”

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BOXING INSIDERS

DUKE MCKENZIE (FORMER THREE-DIVISION TITLEHOLDER/TV ANALYST): HANEY UD
“Prograis is a solid champion. While he does the basics well, he’s not what you might call a standout champion. Haney on the other hand, is tipped for stardom. The former undisputed lightweight champion takes a step up in weight to challenge, not only for the belt, but his place in the pack in the pound-for-pound ratings. I would almost bank on a Haney win by wide unanimous decision.”

MARC RAMSAY (TRAINER): HANEY UD
“Regis Prograis is physically strong enough and a good boxer to compete even with a boxer as talented as Haney but when you see how Zorrilla annoyed him with a bit of movement and speed, I have a hard time seeing him cause the upset. I see an interesting fight but dominated by Haney. Haney by 12-round unanimous decision.”

CHRIS ALGIERI (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ COMMENTATOR): HANEY PTS
“I think Haney’s discipline and ability to stick to the game plan and box will win him the day in a very competitive fight. I got Haney by decision.”

JOSH TAYLOR (FORMER UNDISPUTED JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHT TITLEHOLDER): HANEY UD
“I’m slightly more in favor of Haney in this fight. Going on their last performances, I thought Haney was great against Loma and I didn’t think Prograis looked too good. Although Haney is coming up in weight, he’s still bigger and stronger than Prograis. He’s younger and fresher but I’m excited to watch this fight. Haney unanimous decision.”

STEVE FARHOOD (TV ANALYST): PROGRAIS PTS
“It’s probably the right time for Haney to move up to 140, but the obvious question will be whether he’ll be strong enough to keep Prograis at bay. Prograis will have to win rounds on aggressiveness; in a fight likely to go the distance, he won’t be able to win a decision by boxing patiently. I lean toward Prograis in a close decision.”

TOM GRAY (FORMER MANAGING EDITOR FOR THE RING): HANEY UD
“I’m a huge believer in Prograis and if he were to win this fight, then I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised. My reticence to pick him over Haney is two-fold. First, Regis really didn’t look good against Danielito Zorrilla, whose game plan was to minimise Prograis’ offensive output. Bottom line: Very few fighters in the world are better at switching off an aggressor than Haney, so I think the former lightweight king knows how to get the job done here. Second, Prograis is approaching 35 years of age, so the timing of the bout suits the 25-year-old Haney down to the ground. If there’s a knockout, it’s all Regis. My official pick is Devin on a points decision.”

JOE ROTONDA (MATCHMAKER, MAIN EVENTS): HANEY UD
“This is a very interesting fight, Haney is young and not even in his prime yet, but he’s benefiting greatly from the experience he has gained in recent years. His last six wins have come against former world champions, and I think that experience will carry over into this fight. Regis Prograis is a beast and will have to make this fight ugly if he wants to win. He cannot sit there and try to outbox Haney, he will have to fight his way inside and make Devin uncomfortable. However, I think Haney’s jab will be the key here, he will keep Prograis at bay and earn a unanimous decision win in the process.”

ROBERT DIAZ (MATCHMAKER): HANEY UD
“Boxing returns to the Bay and in good, exciting fashion. A clash of styles, two very confident fighters and two good, strong champions. Prograis will be the aggressor and look to cut the ring and punish Devin in short. Devin will box and use his skills to control and dominate Regis at a distance. Who can impose their will over the other, that is the question. Do not expect a war, as much as Regis would like that, it will not happen. I see this fight starting fast with Regis coming out fast in Round 1. However, after about four rounds Devin begins to control the outside with his jab and slows down the pace of the fight. In the end in a close, entertaining bout, I believe we will hear and NEW junior welterweight champion! Haney 12-round unanimous decision.”

RICH MAROTTA (COMMENTATOR): HANEY UD
“Looking forward to Haney-Prograis, but I’m afraid it might fall into the category of many others we’ve anticipated this year. In other words, what seems to be competitive going in, turns out to be one-sided in the ring. Haney is an elite fighter with elite skills and still on the ascendancy. Prograis is dangerous yes, and may have a few big moments but the styles will work against him in this one. Haney by wide unanimous decision.”

RUDY HERNANDEZ (TRAINER): HANEY UD
“Interesting fight. A fight that will start slow, as both are counterpunchers, neither are really aggressive. I think in Round 7 or 8 Haney will step it up as he will have Prograis timing figured out. I hope I’m wrong and it’s Fight of the Year but you can’t teach certain things. Either you’re aggressive or you’re not. Prograis will try to step it up in Rounds 11 and 12 but will be out of luck. In an OK fight, Haney wins a unanimous decision 118-110, or 117-111. Not so exciting but we’ll see good boxing.”

​WAYNE MCCULLOUGH (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/ TRAINER): HANEY PTS
“Prograis may give Haney some problems with his southpaw stance, and he’ll get hit with looping lefts a lot early on, but Haney should be able to adjust and start landing straight rights to the head and consistent left jabs to Prograis’ head to win the close rounds. I expect Haney to pull off a points decision by at least 8 rounds to 4.”

TONY TOLJ (MANAGER): HANEY PTS
“Prograis-Haney is a very intriguing fight. I think you will see a well improved Prograis from his last performance. He is a classy fighter who I believe is invigorated for this match. Haney is class fighter who is simply fighting the best out there. Back-to-back southpaws, nobody wants to fight them but he is doing so. I see Haney out-working and out-jabbing Regis and I think that’s the difference. 7 rounds to 5 Devin Haney.”

RAUL MARQUEZ (FORMER WORLD CHAMPION/COMMENTATOR): PROGRAIS TKO 11
“Haney has to box, box and box. Use his boxing abilities, keep circling around Prograis throwing fast combos. Prograis needs to close the distance quick with constant pressure and body attacks. Don’t let Haney think, break his will. I believe the fight is decided in second half and Prograis gets a late-round stoppage. Prograis Round 11.”

JOHN SCULLY (TRAINER): HANEY PTS
“I see Devin having some rocky moments and having to take some time to make some big adjustments but at the end of 12 rounds his speed advantage will prove to be the difference and he will win a relatively close decision.”

Final Tally: Haney 17-3

I'm honestly only going with haney because of the seemingly overwhelming confidence behind him, from himself and the industry.

I think prograis is a top notch bona-fide 140 champ. His last performance was shite, that seems to be enough to condem him to a huge drop-off/ slide. 2 performances ago he was the business.

Haney gonna have to be on his bike, popping as he moves. If he wins, he deserves big props.

Seems like this has sold well, 16k expected.

Bigdogsnose wrote: ↑08 Dec 2023, 06:35 I'm honestly only going with haney because of the seemingly overwhelming confidence behind him, from himself and the industry.

I think prograis is a top notch bona-fide 140 champ. His last performance was shite, that seems to be enough to condem him to a huge drop-off/ slide. 2 performances ago he was the business.

Haney gonna have to be on his bike, popping as he moves. If he wins, he deserves big props.

Prograis is as tough as they come and carrys power late. I think that is what makes this fight exciting, even though Haney could well out box him to a wide UD.
Josh Taylor still says the hardest he has been hit is to the body from Prograis.
Can't wait

me too, I think Haney will be stronger at the weight and stop Prograis with a coming of age performance though.

Ragarou gonna smoke his boots late on my brothers, late on

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑08 Dec 2023, 19:58 me too, I think Haney will be stronger at the weight and stop Prograis with a coming of age performance though.

Whilst I think Haney may well win, I'm really struggling to see where a legit stoppage will come from in his favour. He can't crack eggs and I can't see that changing with the move up in weight.

KiwiRider wrote: ↑28 Nov 2023, 03:53

jtourettes wrote: ↑27 Nov 2023, 09:00 Looking forward to this fight. Don't know if Prograis is on the slide or fights to the
level of his opponent. If it's the latter, I think it'll be a good fight and wouldn't be surprised to see Haney take a loss. Personally I had him losing to Loma.

Age-wise he could well be on the slide. I hope not, I'm a fan and would love Reggie to have a few more wins.
Haney is very good, Reggie better jump on him or Haney is probably going to reflect what the poll above says by boxing and moving his way to a decision.

Fingers crossed that he does jump on him.

Fight Night!!