If Taylor gets past Ivan Baranchyk and makes it to the WBSS final, then he's in a very hard fight against Prograis. Prograis has looked better and better with every fight along with stepping up his level of opposition. Prograis was near enough punch perfect tonight. Nobody has dealt with Relikh in that fashion. Relikh had never been stopped, is known for his toughness and Prograis totally dominated him and made him look fragile from the 1st round. Prograis is brilliant. Such a well rounded boxer, he has it all, he's fast, strong, powerful and a very very clever boxer. You could say the the exact same about Josh Taylor too which is why I see this as a true 50/50 fight between two world class fighters. I genuinely think it's one of the best fights to be made in boxing and it's within touching distance. They both have a lot of the same attributes, but I think the difference is Taylor fights at a faster pace, is more tenacious and overwhelming with a higher output and Prograis is more patient and measured and can really pick crisp, accurate punches regularly, he's a beautiful counter puncher with great reflexes. Both can bang, are fast, tough, strong, game and hungry. I think Taylor is that good he could beat Prograis, but also think Prograis is that good he could beat Taylor. It's a mouth watering fight IMO and hope we get to see it but Baranchyk can't be overlooked. I do think Taylor beats him but he'll need to be at his best cos Baranchyk is no walkover. Really looking forward to that fight as well but Taylor vs Prograis is THE fight I want to see. For me that's now right up there with the dream fights I want to happen.
Good post and I agree with every word. I wouldn't so much say "If" Taylor makes it to the final. Barachyk is fun to watch but he's not that good. Josh should light him up pretty easily.
Regis was very impressive and he could still have gears to go up that's the scary thing..relikh Isn't that good though and taylor wouldve obliterated him aswell.Cant wait for the baranchyk fight!
I haven’t watched last night but every time I’ve watched him he’s been absolutely brilliant. He’s favourite for a reason
He sounded quite arrogant in the post fight interview but he always comes across well any other time.Maybe he was pissed off at the state of the crowd it was a shocking turnout no atmosphere at all! Fighting for a world title in your hometown and nobody bothered their arse to show up.
There is a hard semi to get over in 3 weeks and I will be there. The final will be a cracker whoever wins the semi.
I don't think Prograis is arrogant, I think it's self belief combined with the knowledge that he knows that he's not getting anywhere near the recognition he deserves for what he is doing in the ring. He is one of my favourite boxers of recent years, he comes to fight, unless you are technically incredible that is what I want to see.
What I like about Prograis is he comes to fight AND is technically incredible. Likewise with Taylor. The WBSS has worked wonders here getting the chance of seeing these two fight each other. If we do get Taylor vs Prograis, I doubt we'll see a better fight made this year.
I noticed that too about the crowd. Perhaps because it was in Lafayette and not New Orleans? Still weird.
Really glad Relikh's corner pulled him out, I thought he was en route to being badly damaged. Prograis, with his unique style against Taylor's dazzling versatility is a pairing right up there with Crawford - Spence and other great fights we hope are made soon.