Taylor out to dominate

BOXING: Stuff of dreams for Scot as he aims for more Super Series success

Josh Taylor believes his World Boxing Super Series fight with Ryan Martin is the start of a speedy journey to superlightweight domination.

The 27-year-old from Prestonpans, who has a 13-0-0 record, faces the American in the quarter-final at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday night.

Victory over 25-year-old Martin, also unbeaten with a 22-0-0 record, will see him face new IBF super-lightweight champion Ivan Baranchyk in the semifinal.

Taylor seeks to win the eight-man elimination tournament to capture the Muhammad Ali Trophy, two world title belts up for grabs and a chance to unify the division.

Speaking at the pre-fight press conference in Glasgow yesterday, he said: “It is massive. To become world champion takes a long time, but to become world champion and get another belt as well, that can take years for that kind of business to happen with rival promoters.

“You don’t have that in this tournament, you have two belts and three fights and after the tournament you can possibly go for the WBC belt and be undisputed champion.

“It is amazing, really quick. It is speeding up my dreams. It’s great. You know exactly what is happening. I now know what I am doing for the next year.

“After this fight, it will probably be in February/March for the semi-final and then June/July for the final.

“But I am expecting a really tough test. “He is a very good fighter I am not going to shy away from the fact but I just believe I am a better fighter.

“I believe I have the edge on him and I am going to prove that on Saturday.”

Taylor claims to feel like “King Kong” when the walk-on music begins and the lights shine before his ring entrance.

“The atmosphere makes you grow, it makes you feel 10 foot tall when the song comes on and the atmosphere,” he said.

“You feel unbeatable. I am looking forward to the atmosphere again.

“I am in the best shape of my life and performing the best I ever have in the gym and I can’t wait.”

Picture: SNS Group. Josh Taylor, left, comes face to face with Saturday’s opponent, American Ryan Martin .