Regis Progais (24-0-0) vs. Joshua Taylor (15-0-0) is Saturday’s best fight that doesn’t involve a boxer dating his opponent’s sister. In fact, the 50/50 unification bout at the O2 Arena, London between the two world champions in their primes could be one of the best fights this year. You can watch it LIVE on DAZN, at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET.
Slotted right underneath is a promising, classic heavyweight match-up between perennial division contenders Dereck Chisora and David Price. Beyond the two top fights, the Matchroom Boxing card at London’s O2 Arena boasts an absolutely stacked undercard that you don’t want to miss.
Eddie Hearn claims it’s “probably the best card (he’s) ever done.” While it might be promotional hyperbole, let’s have a look at the Brit promoter’s opus, shall we?
What does the GOAT have to do with this?
Up for grabs in the Prograis vs. Taylor main event is the Muhammad Ali Trophy. Named after “The Greatest,” it’s the crown jewel of the World Boxing Super Series, a tournament banked-rolled by Swiss venture capitalist group Comosa AG. Saturday’s main event serves as the bracket’s final.
Originally, the fight was off after Prograis dropped out of the tournament and filed a lawsuit against WBSS alleging late payments and breached contracts. The two parties resolved their differences in the later rounds, reinstating this highly anticipated bout.
The quiet storm known as Regis Prograis
30-year-old Regis Prograis has quietly become one of boxing’s most formidable fighters. Ever since Terence Crawford moved up to 147, the undefeated southpaw native has been widely regarded as the best light welterweight in the game.
The “Pride of New Orleans” is known for battering his opponents like a deep-fried catfish, boasting a staggering 83.3% KO ratio. Last year, Prograis secured his first world title, the WBC light welterweight belt, by stopping former unified champ Julius Indongo in the second round. Previously, Indongo had only lost to Crawford.
On a UK card chock full of Brits and Scots, the 30-year-old Louisianian star stands out. After enduring the hardships of Hurricane Katrina during his formative years, Prograis discovered his love for boxing after training at Evander Holyfield’s Savannah Boxing Club in Houston. Nicknamed “Rougarou” in homage of his Native American heritage, Prograis, like former super welterweight champ Ralph Dupas, is of Creole descent.
Josh Taylor hopes to bring unified belts back to the ‘Highlands’
Training across the pond is junior welterweight’s resident Braveheart, Josh Taylor. Earlier this year, the Scotsman won the IBF title after pitching a near shut-out against the defending world champion, gritty Belarusian Ivan Baranchyk.
Like Prograis, Taylor’s hallmark win is also over one of Crawford’s signature opponents, Ukranian Viktor Postal. Before going pro, the 28-year-old boxer-puncher, who fought at the 2012 London Olympics, was the first fighter to represent Scotland at “the Games” since Dick McTaggart more than half a century ago. Featuring a slick, all-around game, Taylor is arguably the most complete fighter the division has seen since “Bud” Crawford.
Is Dereck Chisora vs. Joseph Parker David Price the real main event?
In a heavyweight demolition derby, Zimbabwean-English warhorse Dereck Chisora (31-9-0) collides with fellow British colossus David Price (25-6-0). It promises to be an exciting fight, so much so that Chisora believes he’s being sabotaged by Eddie Hearn because it’s not the main event:
Still, this is coming from a guy who once said he’d run through his opponent “like a laxative.” The 35-year-old has fought an extensive list of champions, including Vitali Klitschko, Tyson Fury (twice) and David Haye, who now promotes him.
Stepping in for Chisora’s original opponent, Joseph Parker, is the towering David Price. The 36-year-old Scouser is going through somewhat of a career renaissance, scoring three straight wins over local British fighters Tom Little, Kash Ali and Dave Allen. Before toiling in heavyweight purgatory, the Brit was one of the most exciting prospects in the late 2000’s. Taking home bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Price turned professional to high expectations, but his infamous glass jaw curtailed him from ever cracking the top.
The popular Kiwi Joseph Parker was forced to pull out of the co-main event after suffering a spider-bite. While he hasn’t gained any Peter Parker-esque powers, the former WBO heavyweight champion owns the only victory over unified heavyweight champ Andy Ruiz.
Tune in early for the undercard
Ricky Burns (43-7-1) would love to get Scotland on the scoreboard before the Josh Taylor fight. The three-division world champ will be teeing off against his former sparring partner, popular Welsh fighter Lee Selby (27-2-0). Selby, a former IBF featherweight champion, recently jumped up two weight classes to fight Scottish national hero Burns.
British-Nigerian youngster Lawrence Okolie (13-0-0) will throw down with Belgian Yves Ngabu (30-0-0) who is fighting outside of his home country for the first time. The brash, robust Okolie went from serving up orders at McDonald’s to representing the UK at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Surprisingly, his rags-to-riches story hasn’t endeared him to boxing fans thanks to his propensity for clinching and hugging. The fight will be for the EBU European cruiserweight title.
Like father, like son? While Nigel Benn will be making his controversial in-ring return next month, his son will be in action this Saturday. The undefeated Conor Benn (15-0-0) will take on Belgian Stephane Jamoye (26-7-0).
How to watch Prograis vs. Taylor
For American viewers, the Matchroom Boxing card will be streamed on DAZN at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET. Those watching in the UK will have to shell out for a Sky Box Office pay-per-view. If you’re driving distance from Big Ben, consider grabbing seats for the fight. Tickets are selling out fast. Enjoy the fight!
