JOSH GOING FOR A SONG
Taylor ready to be world champ
JOSH TAYLOR has warned ring rival Apinun Khongsong he won’t let the Thai challenger get in his way of global glory.
The super Scot will make the longawaited mandatory defence of his WBA and IBA light welterweight titles on Saturday, September 26 – behind closed doors at BT Sports studios in London.
The scrap was originally pencilled for the Hydro in May but the Tartan Tornado insists his plans are still in place to unify the division in 2021.
Taylor has been promised a crack at WBC and WBO champ Jose Ramirez, who puts his belts on the line against Viktor Postol this weekend.
Khongsong will need to be dealt with first though and the Prestonpans puncher won’t take his eye of the target.
The Thai star is unbeaten in 16 bouts – just like Taylor – and has knocked out his last four opponents in Asia but is untested at the elite level.
Taylor has been cooling his heels since claiming his second world title with a win against Regis Prograis last October and is determined to come back with a bang.
The 29-year-old said: “I’m excited to be back in the ring after a long layoff. The coronavirus had put everything on hold for a few months, so it’s been nice
to be in the gym again and back to some normality. I didn’t want a warm-up fight, so getting straight back in there against my mandatory challenger is great, as it has kept me fully focused. I want big fights in my career, so this is important with my belts on the line.
“Training has been going well and I’m feeling fit and strong. I’ve watched a fair bit of my opponent and I’ve seen his strengths and weaknesses. I’m very confident going into this fight.”
Taylor wants to take care of business next month and set up a mega fight with Ramirez in the United States next year, if the Californian comes through against Postol unscathed.
Renowned Top Rank promoter Bob Arum – who famously steered Mohammed Ali – insists the path is all set for the Scot.
He said: “Taylor is on a collision course to a fight for the undisputed title but he must first get past a very tough fighter.
“We are delighted that Josh’s talents will be shown live to ESPN+ and BT Sport viewers, and I expect a spectacular performance come September 26.”
Management company MTK Global’s vice president Jamie Conlon said: “Josh needs to be on his game to keep the big fight with Ramirez in the pipeline.”