JOSH KING OF CASTLE
Taylor wants dream fight in Edinburgh
BARRY McGUIGAN has revealed Josh Taylor is dreaming of conquering Edinburgh Castle on his way to being crowned the super-lightweight king.
The Commonwealth champ defended his crown in style at Meadowbank on Friday night with a devastating sixth-round stoppage of South African Warren Joubert.
Promoter McGuigan is convinced his man is destined for the top and is determined to take him on the road around Scotland and to America.
They are targeting Ricky Burns before the end of the year and are willing to bypass the British title as the Cyclone Promotions team believe domestic rivals will be too scared to take on their man.
McGuigan wants the nation to get behind the rising star but Taylor has his sights set on putting on the biggest of shows in his home city.
McGuigan said: “Josh wants to box at Edinburgh Castle. That’s his dream. We will have to make that work one day. We’ll need to find the one month of the year where it doesn’t p*** down in Edinburgh!
“But that’s what he would love to do at some point. We would like to move him around as well.
“Remember he has already fought in America three times. He’s been on the undercard of world title fights out there.
“He made his pro debut on a title bill in Texas, which I don’t ever remember seeing happen before. He’s taken all the right steps so far.
“Things are going to get tougher but it’s exciting. Maybe next time we will take him to Glasgow because we don’t just want him to be pigeonholed.
“We want him to be a Scottish fighter, not just an Edinburgh fighter. Boxing support is tribal like football but this guy is going to be a national hero. The television guys love him because he’s a thrill a second.”
Taylor sunk Joubert in only his ninth pro fight but McGuigan believes he is almost ready to make the step up to the elite class.
He said: “He’s got the ability to fight Ricky Burns just now. My only concern is the gap between having nine professional fights to world level. Let’s say he gets there in 12. Where do you go after that?
“You can’t just pause and hold those titles for a couple of years. That’s the dilemma.
“You’ve also got to look at Ricky. Will he beat Julius Indongo next month? I hope he does but Indongo is a heavy puncher and seems to be fresh.
“It’s great though, we are in a very envious position.
“I am excited about this guy because he’s a phenomenal talent. He’s got the lot.”