McGUIGAN WARMS TO NEW YORK FIGHT FOR JOSH

JOSH TAYLOR is ready to follow the transatlantic path to glory blazed by Scottish ring legend Ken Buchanan by conquering the fight Mecca of New York to clinch the world title. Taylor’s Saturday night defeat of No 1ranked contender Viktor Postol has earned him a mandatory shot at the WBC super-lightweight belt held by Jose Ramirez. While manager and promoter Barry McGuigan admits he does not want the Scot to face the Californian on the west coast of America, he believes the Big Apple represents a perfect compromise. Buchanan was a favourite at Madison Square Garden, topping the bill five times during his heyday. Taylor, whose 13-fight undefeated professional career already includes a remarkable debut in Texas and one bout in Las Vegas, is eager to carve out a similar profile in the boxing world. McGuigan said: ‘One of his heroes is Ken Buchanan, who went to Panama to win a world title and then unified it in Madison Square Garden. ‘He would love to do something like that. ‘It’s different in that Ken had to travel as he didn’t have the backing back here, he didn’t have a broadcaster behind him like Josh. ‘There are other irons in the fire. These are definitive fights, when you go to these places and win. Ken had to go on the road to fight the likes of Ismael Laguna and Carlos Ortiz out there. ‘Thankfully, we are not in that position. But Postol was a gateway win and it’s exciting to see where he goes next. ‘I’m not worried about him fighting Jose Ramirez in New York. ‘It will be a tough fight but I think he beats him. ‘I wouldn’t like to take him to the west coast of the States simply because Ramirez is very popular out there. ‘But we’ll see what our budgets are like, we’ll see what the WBSS (World Boxing Super Series) is like as well.’ Taylor ultimately wants to base himself back in Scotland, harbouring a long-term dream to fight at Edinburgh Castle — but is definitely up for the challenge of crossing the pond to face Ramirez. ‘I would like to travel over there, challenge him in his own back yard, win — and then come back to fight at the Castle,’ said the 27-year-old.