Taylor edges Prograis by majority decision to unify titles, wins Muhammad Ali Trophy

Josh Taylor defeated Regis Prograis by majority decision in the World Boxing Super Series final to unify two junior welterweight world titles.

One judge scored the fight even at 114-113, while two judges had it 115-113, and a goofy 117-112, in favor of Taylor, who also claimed the Muhammad Ali Trophy as the winner of the World Boxing Super Series final at 140-pounds. FightNights.com scored the fight 114-114.

The bout was one of the most anticipated by boxing fans, and the fighters put on a show. The first half was razor-thin and in turn, scorecards across social media were all over the place. Some were wide for Taylor, while others had Prograis up early.

There was no consensus then as to who was clearly ahead. However, as the fight wore on, that changed as Taylor started to dominate Prograis, landing the more effective shots in the middle rounds.

Prograis rallied in the final two rounds to make the fight close, but ultimately the judges awarded Taylor, who also did not emerge completely unscathed after 12 rounds in the ring. His right eye was swollen shut.

Taylor, though, laughed about it afterwards.

“I mean that was a walk in the park, wasn’t it?” he laughed. “What a fight. All respect to Regis Prograis on a great fight, but the best man won, and I knew I was going to win.”

Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs), 28, from Edinburgh, Scotland, who also defended his IBF strap for the first time, called out fellow unbeaten, unified world titleholder Jose Ramirez to fight for the undisputed world championship.

Ramirez (25-0, 17 KO's) knocked out previously unbeaten titlist Maurice Hooker inside six rounds in July to add the WBO to his collection. The 2012 Olympian outpointed Antonio Orozco in September 2018 to claim the WBC belt.

“Ramirez, where you at? Let’s do it!” Taylor said.

A disappointed Prograis (24-1, 20 KO's), who suffered his first loss in 25 pro fights, was gracious in defeat.

“It was a close fight, but the better man won tonight, so it’s cool,” said Prograis. “I thought I caught up, I started timing him and moving my head but he won. I won’t make any excuses. I definitely enjoyed it. Hopefully we make part two.”

Taylor became the ninth active boxer in the sport to unify a division, joining Artur Beterbiev, Naoya Inoue, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Jose Ramirez, Daniel Roman, Andy Ruiz, Errol Spence Jr., and Naoya Inoue as the only active unified champions.