Victor Conte Defends Devin Haney Against Serious Allegations Over Regis Prograis

Devin Haney found an unlikely ally as he battled cheating accusations. The American fighter has been on the receiving end of flak from Regis Prograis over the weight manipulation ahead of their high-stakes championship fight last December. While the latter launched a campaign against ‘The Dream,’ Victor Conte has tossed these claims to the bin.

When Haney, 25, stood on the scales before entering the squared circle on fight night, he weighed 165 pounds. That’s an 18% addition of mass to his frame between the weight-ins and the first bell as he fought for the 140-pound WBC championship. However, the California Athletic Commission only allows a limit of 15%, and any breach leads to the fight’s cancellation. So, did the 32-1 record holder run the risk of losing his gold strap? Conte, 74, didn’t think so.

Conte turned to his X handle and argued that Haney’s unusual weight numbers on the fight night were possible because of added accessories on their body. Shirts, pants, and shoes added to the weight, and the added weight was reflected on the scales. Therefore, the former BALCO founder has contested the accuracy of these weigh-ins.

He wrote, “Enough ignorant tallk about @Realdevinhaney coming in 25 lbs over for the @RPrograis fight. Understand on fight night when boxers briefly step on the scale they have long sleeve shirts, pants & shoes on w/ who knows what all in their pockets. These weights are NOT precise.”

While Conte has already backed the current WBC champion, Prograis has also decided not to pursue the matter legally. The 36-year-old disclosed in a conversation with WBN that he was not taking the legal route but was content if people knew the truth. Prograis, at 29-2, then also emphasized his desire to be a three-time world champion and meet Haney on an “even playing field.” But it seems he might have to wait a while for his title shot, as Haney already has an opponent in line.

Devin Haney to give new leash to his career

At 31-1, Haney registered the first loss of his career when he went toe-to-toe against Ryan Garcia. Things didn’t go the way he envisioned and he found himself on the canvas three times, eventually affecting his unblemished record. The two later also locked horns about the alleged PED abuse by ‘KingRy’. But now Haney faces the uphill battle of putting his career on track and returning to the winner’s column.

Eddie Hearn recently lifted the veil on the San Francisco native’s next opponent as he talked about Jack Catterall‘s win over Josh Taylor. He declared, “We will have Devin Haney fighting Sandor Martin.” Notably, Martin, at 42-3, is the WBC #1 super lightweight boxer and is on a red-hot 2-win streak after dropping a close fight to Teofimo Lopez. It remains to be seen whether Haney will redeem himself or go down a spiral.

What do you make of these comments by Victor Conte about Devin Haney’s apparent weight manipulation? Do you agree with him? Let us know in the comments below.