Taylor ‘feeling the love’ ahead of unification bout

Scottish superlightweight Josh Taylor is feeling the love in London ahead of his headline contest against fellow unbeaten fighter Regis Prograis at O2 Arena on Saturday.

The pair were put through their paces during a public workout at Old Spitalfields Market and ‘The Tartan Tornado’ was given a fantastic reception in England’s capital.

Edinburgh-born Taylor won the IBF title in his last fight and Prograis holds the WBA and WBC belts, while this bout is the final of the division’s World Boxing Super Series Ali Trophy.

A lot is at stake and although the 28-yearold is a long way from Scotland, he knows he will be backed by a rapturous crowd in London this weekend.

Taylor said: “I can’t wait to get in there now. I got a great reception tonight and I can’t wait for Saturday. I’m a little Jock who has come down to the middle of London and I got a great reception, so it was really nice and warm.

“It feels like a home fight, it really does. It feels like I’m in Scotland. I’m feeling the love.”

Boasting a record of 15 wins from 15 fights, which includes 12 knock-outs, the Prestonpans boxer is no stranger to the big stage despite only turning professional four years ago.

A Commonwealth Games gold medallist at Glasgow 2014, Taylor has achieved notable victories against Ohara Davies, Miguel Vazquez, Viktor Postol and Ivan Baranchyk and expects to add Prograis to the list.

“I believe I can do it, 100%. It is the biggest fight of my career to date, but I have had massive fights before and I’m just enjoying the moment and enjoying the roller coaster ride that is my career,” he said.