Trainer Shane McGuigan has been involved in two out three World Boxing Super Series-finals. This time he wants to come out on the winning end and take home the Ali Trophy.
The renowned trainer was in the corner last year in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when his fighter George Groves lost via KO to fellow Brit Callum Smith in the Super Middleweight Final. And he will be in the corner for Josh Taylor in the Super-Lightweight Final against Regis Prograis on Saturday at The O2 in London.
“Going into Saudi Arabia George had had a dislocated shoulder and it was just a struggle the whole way through that camp,” said McGuigan. “I feel I lot more confident going into this final and I really want my fighter to get his hands on that massive trophy.”
Ever since turning professional in 2015, Taylor’s been trained by London-based McGuigan, the son of former WBA featherweight champion Barry McGuigan. Their partnership culminated with winning the IBF World title in the WBSS-semi-final against Ivan Baranchyk, but there is a lot more to achieve this weekend.
“I like to see Josh Taylor win this tournament, unify the titles, win the Ali Trophy and also become a Ring Magazine champion – something I’ve never had before,” said the 31-year-old coach. “This is something Josh has worked his whole life towards achieving. And we have worked endless hours and tirelessly over the years to perfect his craft.”
No stress, no pressure leading up to final, the trainer assures.
“Prograis and Taylor are the two best in the division – both of them would beat Ramirez (José Ramirez) who is the other unified champion – so Prograis is the hardest fight we’ve got yet. But Josh performs underneath the lights, he has shown that to me and proven that to everybody. He loves it, he relishes that occasion.”
The WBSS Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Final at The O2 in London on October 26 is shown live via Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the U.S.
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