Boxing world give their predictions on the Josh Taylor vs Regis Prograis WBSS final fight
The World Boxing Super Series Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Final between USA’s WBA World Champion Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) and Scotland’s IBF World Champion Josh Taylor (15-0, 13 KOs) is almost upon us, so BBN asked their panel of boxing experts for their thoughts on the incredible unification fight due to take place at The O2 in London on Saturday October 26.
With a combined 85% KO ratio between them, you could almost bank on an early ending, but which way would it go?
Here's what they said:
Tyrone McKenna
WBC International super-lightweight champion
"Josh Taylor will win on points. I think his speed, combinations and punch output will be too much for Regis Prograis."
Robbie Davies Jr
British super-lightweight champion
"Lean towards Josh Taylor, feel his ring IQ and speed of punch will be key to winning this fight. Think prograis feet are slow and likes to time his shots well, just think Taylor will always be that step ahead and won't fall in to any traps. Taylor points win. "
Ryan Walsh
British featherweight champion
"It’s certainly a 50/50.
Josh has the more rounded skill set and being a standout amateur also gives him some slight advantages added to the home edge. 02 London will be far more homely to Taylor. It’ll be a great intriguing fight, one I’m tipping Taylor to win on points. It could be controversial. Regis is awkward & unpredictable. Taylor’s discipline & style should be the difference here. Great fight can’t wait. Tactics will be key."
Ekow Essuman
English welterweight champion
"Josh Taylor, hands down for me! He's way too sharp and got a brilliant boxing brain."
Mark Tibbs
Boxing Trainer
"A Josh Taylor win. He's viciously spiteful in every area, clever too… wins big."
Steve Wood
Promoter, VIP Promotions
"This is going to be a World class fight and really find it hard to split.
Work rate gives Taylor an advantage but Prograis does carry the bigger power, so the way I see the fight is Taylor in the lead until he makes an error later in the fight, which changes the concept and Progais wins either late stoppage or close controversial points."
Jack Bradley
BBN Writer
“This is the most I’ve looked forward to a fight for a long time. I’ve been firmly aboard the Josh Taylor hype train since he blew through Dave Ryan to win the Commonwealth title a few years ago, and Prograis has impressed me every time I’ve seen him.
I can’t help but feel this will be a really close fight. Taylor is rangier and I think that will allow him to pick his shots at distance. Prograis is a fantastic talent and his time will come as a pound-for-pound fighter, but I think Taylor will have enough about him to take a close result on the scorecards. Were it closer to home for Prograis, then I would probably say he will nick it – that’s how close I think this one is. Either way, the fans are the true winners here.”
Ace Adam
Middleweight debutant
"I think Josh Taylor can pull it off via a points win."
Mick Kane
Boxing Writer
"This is the fight I'm looking forward to most out of the rest of the years bouts. I was at both Taylor's quarter final and semi final in Glasgow and he was impressive, the noise in the arena when he out Baranchyk tonthe floor was something else. Unfortunately for Josh he won't have that backing down in London, still be a fair few Scots make the journey but wont be the same as 10,000 Scots in the Arena.
Prograis has looked good in his fights so far in the tournament and was the pre tournament favourite. It's a 50/50 between two great fighters but as a Scot I have got to back Josh Taylor, points win to become a unified champion."
Joe Neale
Boxing Matchmaker
"One of top three best fights of the year!
I’m leaning towards Regis Prograis I think he will win a competitive decision, just think he's that little bit better defensively and is more adaptable."
Ben Day
Southern Area super-lightweight champion
"Josh Taylor on points, for me. Great talent, great skills, his boxing brain is something else; name of the game – hit and don't get hit. And I’m feeling that will be the outcome."
Darren Surtees
Unbeaten Northern Area super-lightweight champion
"Josh Taylor to win by stoppage."
Bolu Kareem
Middleweight debutant
"Josh Taylor to win by unanimous decision. he has the far superior skill, in my opinion."