Regis Prograis vs. Josh Taylor: A real pick'em fight

Josh Taylor and Regis Prograis have a number of things in common. They’re undefeated, local heroes, and world champions.

Both are loaded with confidence, perhaps even a little cocky. But that makes sense with all the success they’ve achieved.

On October 26 at the O2 Arena in London, Eng, Taylor (15-0, 12 KOs) fights Prograis (24-0, 12 KOs) in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series.

Taylor, younger by two years, and taller than Prograis, reached the finals by putting a hurtin’ on Ryan Martin last year. He then met super-aggressive, IBF champion Ivan Baranchyk six months later, who entered the fight undefeated.

Baranchyk fought hard, hanging with Taylor for a while, but eventually exited the ring a loser, sans his title.

Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) showed versatility when he outboxed clever Terry Flanagan last October. The heavy-handed Louisiana native fought patiently, outworking his more experienced opponent throughout 12 mostly one-sided rounds.

He cemented the fight in round eight by knocking Flanagan to the mat. Five months later, he overpowered tough Kiryl Relikh in six rounds, setting the tone by flooring Relikh in the opening stanza.

The stage was now set for a Taylor versus Prograis showdown. I’m not a big gambling guy, but the odds have flipped back and forth like a bargaining session. When the bout was first announced, Prograis was the favorite. Recently Taylor has edged forward.

In other words, this is a 50-50 fight.

"This fight proves who the true number one is,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “I believe it is myself, he believes it is him. I do believe we are the two best in the division. He likes to blow smoke up his own behind, and believe his own hype. I let him do his talking,"

On cue, Prograis replied to Taylor’s words.

“I’m super-confident. There’s no way he can beat me. It’s not being cocky or arrogant, it’s just how I feel, “Prograis said. “All his 15 fights look the same, all mine look different. My style will prove to be the better one. I can do so many different things, and he does get hit a lot."

Confidence is an interesting thing. Some fighters talk a good game—as if they’re trying to convince themselves they can win. That’s not the case here. Prograis has showed more versatility in his last few fights. But Taylor, from Scotland, will have the homecourt advantage. Hopefully that won’t sway the judges.

Prediction time?

Oh, boy! The fight is a coin flip on who wins. Taylor likes to use the ring, but his defense is so-so. Both can punch. Prograis can sometimes lose focus. I see a split decision, either way, but my gut says Prograis.