Though that night Prograis magnanimously declared that “the best man won”, he’s since reconsidered, arguing that the judges spurned him despite landing 45 more punches than Taylor, outlanding him in seven rounds (including the final two), punching more accurately and throwing more punches. Yet Prograis made clear that he has not given up on one day avenging his majority decision defeat to Taylor in London in 2019, in which he lost the WBA belt as well as the chance to claim both Taylor’s IBF strap and the Ring magazine title. Haney has been openly exploring campaigning at junior welterweight after he outpointed Vasiliy Lomachenko last month to retain the undisputed lightweight championship, and for Prograis, a showdown with him would be as lucrative and competitive – if not moreso – than one with Matias. However, Prograis acknowledged that the UK-based Hearn has held preliminary talks with Haney’s team. “And that fight would make a lot of money, too.”
“He has something I want,” Prograis said of Matias. It has the added bonus of drawing interest from fans who want to see two skilled beltholders with knockout-laden resumes compete against each other. Matias’s appeal centers on the IBF title he holds, which – if he could wrest it away – would get Prograis one step closer to the division’s undisputed championship.
All of which has left Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) willing to publicly contemplate things other than the Miguel Cotto-promoted pugilist in the corner across from him as he geared up for the first of three contracted contests for promoter Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing stable.Īfter a recent workout, Prograis spoke frankly with the Guardian about three fights he covets assuming he takes care of business Saturday: a unification with fellow 140lb strap holder Subriel Matias, a challenge from undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, or a rematch with the only man who beat him, Josh Taylor, the terms of which he may better control after the Scot lost his lineal and WBO junior welter titles Saturday to Teófimo López.
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