The back-and-forth across the pond between USA’s Regis Prograis (24-0, 20 KOs) and Scotland’s Josh Taylor (15-0, 12 KO’s) intensifies in the build-up to the WBSS Super-Lightweight Ali Trophy Final at The O2 in London on October 26, live on Sky Sports Box Office in the UK and DAZN in the U.S.

“I’m going to rip your head off,” said Taylor at a hot-blooded head-to-head after the kickoff press conference on September 9th in London. The Scotsman’s comment was the verbal culmination of a feud which saw its beginning after Taylor’s semi-final in May against Ivan Baranchyk – witnessed ringside by Prograis.

“You never fought anyone like me. You can’t get hit like that from me,” said Prograis referring to Taylor’s battle with Baranchyk.

“I think I’m the best, Regis Prograis thinks he’s the best, but I’m confident of going all the way and win the Ali Trophy,” said Taylor and called Prograis a ‘wee man’ (small man) citing the apparent difference in height.

The heated word exchange has continued on social media with no shortage of jibes between the two finalists. In a video message New Orleans native ‘Rougarou’ Prograis, WBA ‘Super’ World Champion & WBC Diamond Champion, told his adversary: “I’m coming to kick your ass. I can’t wait. It is going to be the biggest fight of both our careers. But the only thing on my mind is you.”

The response from Taylor, the IBF World Champion & WBC Silver Champion of Prestonpans, also known as the ‘Tartan Tornado’: “Hope he’s not having nightmares with all that thinking because come October 26th there’s a tornado coming that’s gonna take him out.”

“This final is going to be sensational,” says Kalle Sauerland, Chief Boxing Officer of the World Boxing Super Series. “The countdown has now begun for a tribute to the Ali Trophy. When you look at Prograis vs Taylor it’s truly a tribute to the vision of this tournament and the aim to produce the best fights in boxing.”

Prograis and Taylor entered the World Boxing Super Series and the quest for the Ali Trophy as the two highest-seeded boxers in a loaded 140lb bracket.

No. 1 seed Prograis earned his spot in the final by outdoing Terry Flanagan on points last October, and then went on to stop Kiryl Relikh in round 6 and take the WBA World title in the semi in late April. Meanwhile, second seed Taylor stopped Ryan Martin in round 7 last November and then proceeded to decision Ivan Baranchyk to claim the IBF World title in May.

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. To sign up for a one-month free trial, fans can visit DAZN.com or download the DAZN app to their preferred connected device.