History of the World Boxing Super Series
The WBSS is a fairly young competition having only began in 2017. But that does not indicate a shortage of history. In the two completed seasons, the competition has had some thrilling bouts that will remain in boxing fans' minds and books for many years to come.
The 2017/18 season, the sport championships' first season, grouped fighters into super middleweight and cruiserweight divisions. Super middleweight boxers weighed in at 200 pounds (90.7 kg) while the cruiserweight stated at 168 pounds (76.2 kg). The final of the Cruiserweight division was held on 21st July 2018 in Olimpiyskiy, Moscow, Russia. Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk clinched the title, beating Russia’s Murat Gassiev by universal decision after 12 rounds. The final of the Super Middleweight went to United Kingdom's Callum Smith who knocked out compatriot George Groves in the 7th round. The event was held at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Second Season
The 2018/19 season had three weight categories: Bantamweight (118 lb, 53.5 kg), Super lightweight (140 lb, 63.5 kg), and Cruiserweight (200 lb, 90.7 kg). Japan's Naoya Inoue clinched the bantamweight by beating the Philippines’ Nonito Donaire by a universal decision on 7 Nov 2019 at the Japan Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
The super lightweight went to the United Kingdom's Josh Taylor who edged United States' Regis Prograis by a majority decision at The O2 Arena in London, the United Kingdom on 26th October 2019. Latvia's Mairis Briedis won the heaviest category by beating Cuba's Yuniel Dorticos by a majority decision. The final was played on 26th September 2020 at the Plazamedia Broadcasting Center in Munich, Germany.
