The World Boxing Super Series has brought the boxing world excellent matchups over its two seasons and concludes its super-lightweight tournament Saturday in the O2 Arena in London with another one. The final between Josh Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs) and Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) pits top 3 fighters against each other and delivers the match up fans have anticipated since the start of the tournament.
Taylor handed Ryan Martin his first loss in the quarterfinals and took the IBF title from Ivan Baranchyk in the semis. He is a very technically sound southpaw relying on good footwork and a high workrate to outbox his opponents, though he can handle himself on the inside and works the body well.
Prograis defeated former WBO title holder Terry Flanagan and won the WBA belt with a TKO over Kiryl Relikh on his way to the tournament final. Like Taylor he’s a southpaw but has a more unorthodox style. He has great head movement and power and I’d categorize him as a pressure counter fighter. He tends to walk down his opponents to force exchanges and find counters. At distance he’s got a very active jab but tends to lack a bit in efficiency in rounds where he can’t close the distance.
The key will be how well and often Prograis can close in on Taylor. I expect him to find opportunities and give Taylor at least a couple of scares but I’ll go with the Scot more consistent workrate at range to get a competitive decision. Boxing has been on a roll in the last few weeks with fights like GGG vs Derevyanchenko or Gvozdyk vs Beterbiev delivering and Taylor and Prograis should keep the trend going.
The co-main event promises dumb heavyweight fun between brawler Dereck Chisora (31-9, 22 KOs) and chinny big man David Price (25-6, 20 KOs) and the undercard also features a notable fight between former title holders Ricky Burns (43-7-1, 16 KOs) and Lee Selby (27-2, 9 KOs) in a battle to stay relevant at lightweight.
Prograis vs Taylor airs on DAZN on Saturday, October 26th at 2:00pm ET / 11:00am PT. The main event should start no earlier than 5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT.
Full card:
Josh Taylor vs. Regis Prograis
Dereck Chisora vs. David Price
Ricky Burns vs. Lee Selby
Yves Ngabu vs. Lawrence Okolie
Conor Benn vs. Laszlo Toth
Abass Baraou vs. John O’Donnell
Denis Radovan vs. Luke Blackledge