The World Boxing Super Series final is only a semi-final

Regis Prograis vs. Josh Taylor is slated for October 26^th in London. The winner will receive the Muhammad Ali Trophy, and possess the IBF and WBA junior welterweight world titles. While the World Boxing Super Series is supposed to be an all-encompassing tournament to determine the best fighter within a division, the final merely represents a veritable semi-final.

The true junior welterweight championship will be between the winner of the World Boxing Super Series and unified champion Jose Ramirez

It’s shocking that since Terence Crawford vacated all four of his belts in 2017, we are on the cusp of unifying all the titles at 140. Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor are not only the best athletes at 140 but may be among the most athletic fighters in boxing period. On paper, Jose Ramirez is more accomplished than either Prograis or Taylor.

Ramirez’s career progressed steadily, and he matured at the opportune time. His recent knockout victory over Maurice Hooker drew much attention in the boxing public, showing that he is skilled, resilient, and can rise to the occasion against quality opposition. His knockout was not an accident by any means, as he set up a well-timed left hook that had Hooker defenseless.

Regis Prograis attended Ramirez vs. Hooker, planning on facing the winner. Prograis will enter as the favorite against Taylor, and many expect the eventual undisputed junior welterweight title dispute to be between Ramirez and Prograis. Based on dominant performances, Prograis looks to be the slight favorite to collect all four belts. He easily defeated two former world champions in his last two appearances, beating Terry Flanagan and Kiryl Relikh.

The prospective undisputed champion at 140 will most likely move up to welterweight for more lucrative opportunities, similar to when Oleksandr Usyk cleaned out the cruiserweight division and went up to heavyweight. Terence Crawford’s void of not having a credible opponent to challenge for his WBO welterweight world title belt could eventually be filled if he ends up facing the potential undisputed junior welterweight world champion.