Regis Prograis vs Josh Taylor: One of the Best Fights of 2019!
WHEN: Saturday, October 26
WHERE: O2 Arena in London
NETWORK: DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office
TIME: 4:00 PM ET
On October 26th at the O2 Arena in London, WBA Super Lightweight champion Regis Prograis (24-0, 20KO) squares off against IBF champion Josh Taylor (15-0, 12KO) in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series tournament.
We will soon be witnessing two highly talented world champions hitting their fighting primes and facing each other in high-profile unification showdown. One of the more anticipated fights of 2019, this is as good as it gets!
Pretty much an even match-up on paper with Fight of The Year potential, as a boxing fan you can’t help to be excited about this battle that will air live on DAZN and Sky Sports Box Office.
Regis Prograis
The New Orleans native (who now resides in Houston) is the slight betting favorite heading in. Known for his punching power, it would be foolish to view him as simply a puncher. Showing marked improvement with each fight, the 30-year old southpaw is also skilled and well-schooled.
The man known as “Rougarou” has shown the ability to dominate opponents either up close or from distance using one of the highest IQ’s in the sport. This alone has many believing he will be one of the next stars in boxing.
Josh Taylor
Much like his opponent the fellow southpaw from Edinburgh, Scotland is also skilled and versatile. Known for his movement and speed, the 28-year old can also bite down and fight in the pocket when necessary. Also, bringing a high level IQ to the ring with him against any opponent, the IBF champion has been seen as one of the more threatening prospects to any champion at Super Lightweight since he turned pro in 2015.
Now a champion, he is also seen by many as the next rising star in the sport!
Prediction
Facing the toughest opponents of their careers, both fighters will have to bring their A-game in order to win. Prograis more powerful and wins in the IQ department, however, Taylor is faster and the more athletic fighter.
In addition, the IBF champion at 5’10” is two inches taller and boasts a 2 1/2 inch reach advantage. Given his style, this plays well into his hands as he will elect to use every bit of his advantage to turn the WBA champion into a one-dimensional fighter.
The key will be who sets the pace, establishes the jab and limits their mistakes. Taylor’s advantages in length and speed will be a problem. Prograis has the skill and punch to not only give his opponent trouble, but knock him out!
Buoyed by fighting in front of essentially a hometown crowd, Taylor will raise his level. Knowing he needs to be disciplined and tactical to be victorious, he does just enough to win by close decision in what will be an extremely competitive fight!
This is definitely one any boxing fan rather an enthusiast or an average spectator should not miss!
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
