Taylor made to go all the way to final

A HUGE year for Josh Taylor is zooming into focus. Three weeks from now, Taylor fights for his first world title in the second semi-final of the World Boxing Super Series super lightweight division.

By then, he will know who he must beat in the final. Forgive the conceit. It reflects his and my confidence. Taylor (above, beating Ryan Martin last November) is one of the most significant British fighters to emerge in a while.

IBF champion Ivan Baranchyk, who he faces in Glasgow, has a different view. We look forward to making our case. Either way, the victor will fight the winner of the first semi-final between undefeated Regis Prograis and WBA champion Kiryl Relikh in Louisiana tonight.

It’s a great match. Prograis is a natural fighter, a come-forward, heavy handed destroyer. Relikh has a great chin, which should make for an intriguing contest.

Prograis (right) ended Terry Flanagan’s world-title aspirations with a commanding victory six months ago, teeing off with his southpaw jab before landing that big left hand and right hook. It’s basic but it’s relentless and it works, with all but four of his 23 wins ending early.

Relikh, who was unlucky not to get the decision against Ricky Burns three years ago in the first of his two career defeats, has never been stopped. He will do well to survive 12 rounds here.

Prograis has already proclaimed himself king of the division. The whole of America seems convinced of that view.

You can see his appeal. His destruction of Julius Ndongo in two rounds a year ago, and subsequent demolition of unbeaten Juan Velasco, were impressive.

But if he thinks he can do that to Taylor, he and the American audience are in for a rude awakening. At least we will have an answer soon. The WBSS has been great for the game, bringing the best against the best.

It has given Taylor the opportunity to fight for a world title in only his 15th bout. By the end of the year he could be a unified champion. We are thrilled the Baranchyk fight, like tonight’s bout in America, has been picked up by Sky, the first time Taylor has headlined on the platform. It won’t be the last. Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone @McGuigans_Gym @CyclonePromo