McGuigan sure Vazquez bout is right step for Taylor

BARRY McGUIGAN is not one to open his mouth and expel a stream of hot air, so his latest assessment of his burgeoning stable star Josh Taylor was particularly telling yesterday. The undefeated 26-year-old Commonwealth and WBC Silver super-lightweight champion has hardly put a foot wrong in compiling a 10-fight perfect record. At first glance, however, there is an obvious temptation to suggest that his manager’s decision to match him with Mexican Miguel Vazquez at the capital’s Royal Highland Centre on Saturday, November 11 represents a step too far at this juncture of Taylor’s career. Vazquez has traded punches with the very best in his division, racking up a record of 39 wins from 44 contests in the process. The 30-year-old was also IBF world lightweight champion for five years but McGuigan expressed his belief that Taylor is up to the task. McGuigan said: ‘This is a big step up for Josh and a great challenge, but when you have a talent like his, if you hold him back you can waste two years fighting moderate opposition. ‘We thought very carefully about Vazquez. He’s not a banger, but he’s awkward and moves around all the time. ‘His resume is also amazing. He’s fought and beaten the very best in the business and only lost to the superstars. But I believe Taylor is that good that we can take calculated risks.’ Taylor added: ‘I was planning to go over for (Floyd) Mayweather v (Conor) McGregor and blow off a bit of steam. But when Barry phoned me and told me about this fight, I cancelled the trip straight away. ‘Boxing is more important to me. This is my life, so it was back to business. Hopefully the next time I am in Las Vegas it will be me involved in a big fight and I can enjoy it afterwards.’