Scotland’s Josh Taylor won a majority decision over USA’s Regis Prograis to claim the Ali Trophy in the super-lightweight final of the World Boxing Super Series.
It was a thrilling final between unbeaten world champions but ultimately edged by the ‘Tartan Tornado’ who earned the Muhammad Ali trophy by finishing stronger.
The scorecards had it 114-114, 115-113 and 117-112 in favour of Taylor, but both finalists produced masterclass performances in front of 16,500 ecstatic fans at The O2 in London.
“What a fight,” said Taylor. “Regis is a great champion, but the best man won. He was very good, very strong and had good timing, but I knew I could get to him inside. He lived up to his name and he is a great fighter. I knew I could beat him with the jab alone, but he had me himself so respect to him.”
With the win, The Edinburgh man now holds the WBA and IBF world super-lightweight titles, the Ring Magazine belt and the Ali Trophy.
“Since this tournament was created I’ve dreamed and envisioned lifting that trophy, it’s just unbelievable to see it come true.”
Taylor was presented with the Muhammad Ali Trophy by previous winner Callum Smith.
Before the final the 2018 Super Middleweight Ali Trophy winner said:
“It’s impossible to say who I will present the trophy. I am expecting a close and exciting final between the two best in the division.”
Prograis said: “I thought it was pretty even until the last three rounds when I thought I caught up. He won, I can give no excuses. Thank you, England but I will be back. I enjoyed that fight. It was one hell of a fight.”
The WBSS returns with the Ali Trophy Bantamweight Final, Naoya Inoue vs Nonito Donaire, on November 7 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
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