Josh’s welcome to Glasgow kiss
But Nicaraguan promises to shock Taylor
AHEAD-BUTT before they have even squared off in the ring. Bloodcurdling vows from a Central American warrior vowing to seize his opportunity.
It is fair to say that tomorrow night’s improvised bout between Josh Taylor and Winston Campos — possibly the only major sporting event going ahead in the UK, as promoter Barry McGuigan points out — promises to be a full-blooded affair, at least.
Potential world champion Taylor very nearly put the nut on his Nicaraguan opponent, drafted in at the last minute to deputise for the injured Humberto Soto, during yesterday’s staged headto-head photo shoot in Glasgow.
The Scot later tweeted: ‘I don’t know if he was trying to smell me or kiss me, but he just about received a welcome to Scotland by Glasgow kiss.’
Once the hostilities begin in earnest, of course, former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Taylor — putting his WBC silver super-lightweight belt on the line at the Hydro — will be expected to maintain his march towards a far bigger prize.
Campos is clearly on the feisty side of up-for-it, however. With a record of 30 wins and just three losses, he might be expected to at least put on a show.
The fact that only two of those bouts, both defeats, took place outside of his own country will give Taylor heart.
Yet Campos insisted: ‘I have no fears fighting in Glasgow. Everyone tells me there is going to be a huge crowd and a great atmosphere.
‘But it won’t bother me. I went to Chilpancingo in Mexico to fight Edgar Puerta and it was crazy.
‘There were 4,000 Mexicans who were screaming against me. I didn’t care. I used it as a motivation.
‘I think there will be an even bigger atmosphere in Glasgow. It will be like a funfair and the Scottish fans will think they will have a party with Taylor.
‘They probably don’t know much about me or expect me to win. But I will win over their respect in the ring by beating their man. I’ll spoil the party but they will be happy to see a great fight.’
At 25, Campos has not exactly been burning up the division. This crack at Taylor, fifth-ranked challenged for the WBC world belt, represents an opportunity.
‘I am going to show Taylor and the Scottish people what Nicaraguans are like,’ he promised.
‘We are tough. We like to fight. We refuse to be beaten. I didn’t have an easy life as a kid. It’s the same for a lot of people in Nicaragua. There’s not much money around and it’s a tough upbringing.
‘It’s difficult to make your way in sport as well. You have to fight every step of the way and a boxer’s life is even tougher.
‘There are a lot of fighters because boxing is a way to making a better life. It makes you very competitive. I am coming to Scotland to win.’
At 27, but just 11 fights into his pro career, Taylor was prepped to take on Soto. The late switch is one that no promoter would make without weighing up all the risks.
‘It’s no problem for me to come here at short notice,’ said Campos.
‘I was preparing for a fight against a southpaw in Nicaragua but they pulled out around about the same time.
‘Sometimes it is fate how things work out because this is now a huge opportunity for me.
‘I didn’t have to think twice about coming all the way to Scotland.
‘I said yes immediately and I am here to make the most of this chance. I am very motivated and I am not going to waste this opportunity.
‘I have fought against many southpaws in my career, so I know what to expect from Taylor. I have watched the videos and I know he is a very good fighter.
‘This is my chance to step up to world level and I am going to take it.’
Former great McGuigan, now guiding the career of a fighter expected to reach the pinnacle of his sport, is keen to see Taylor grab the spotlight during Britain’s winter white-out.
‘We might be the only major event taking place in the UK this weekend — but people are in for a treat,’ said the Clones Cyclone.
‘Josh is in great shape and he is up against a terrific fighter. Winston is 25 years old and he’s got a lot of experience. It will be a tough test for Taylor.’