DEVIN ‘The Dream’ Haney can take another significant step towards becoming the biggest star in world boxing on Saturday back for the first time as a pro in his home town.

The unbeaten, undisputed lightweight king aims to become a two-weight world champion by claiming Regis Prograis 140lb gold in San Francisco.

Boxing is looking increasingly healthy, largely due to a delude of accomplished American fighters in and around nine and 10 stone, and Haney could well be the best of the lot.

Not only does he shine inside the ropes, but he demands big fights to go with his big pay days, ensuring fans get what they crave: the best vs the best every time.

THE CHAMPION

Prograis, 34, aims to make the second defence of the world title he won in November last year, when he stopped Jose Zepeda in the 11^th round, crowning a dominant display.

But the New Orleans based Texan struggled in June against Danielito Zorrilla in what was supposed to be a routine first defence, labouring to a controversial split decision.

With 29 wins featuring 24 knockouts against just one defeat, it’s easy to see why Prograis is recognised by many as the leading 10-stone pugilist on the planet.

An aggressive front foot fighter with real power, he is a throwback southpaw who combines plenty of head movement with clinical combinations.

His sole defeat, to Scotland’s Josh Taylor in 2019, was a close call resulting in a contested points defeat. Since, he’s won five straight, stopping four.

THE CHALLENGER

Haney may be coming up from the division below, but there he was crowned undisputed champion capturing all four of the recognised world title belts.

Not only that, he defeated the great Vasyl Lomachenko in his first unified defence with a boxing display far in advanced of his 24 years.

Now 25, Haney – who turned pro in Mexico aged 17 – is currently 30-0 with 15 knockouts. This will be his 13^th consecutive championship fight.

Down at 135lb, he outclassed three former world champions consecutively before eventually dethroning Aussie George Kambosos Jr to be crowned undisputed.

A slick, stylish boxer who uses fast hands and feet to pick opponents off then slip out the backdoor, Haney creates chaos with his trash talk and behaviour outside of the ropes, but is the consummate pro inside them.

Smart, articulate and brash enough to engage an audience, Haney and his father and head coach Bill understand the business of boxing equally as well as the fundamentals of it.

IT’S SHOWTIME

Prograis’ style is made for Haney, who despite coming up in weight does carry a little extra length both in height and reach.

The champion needs to land something big and early to put Haney behind on the cards and force him to break out of his rhythm. But that’s far easier said than done.

Prograis is certainly strong enough to go the distance and will land enough single shots to keep the fight interesting down the stretch. But by the time the judge’s get involved, the result will be a formality.

TIP: Haney on Points 21/50