Taylor hopes fans can pull Vegas all-nighter
JOSH TAYLOR hopes British boxing fans will find a way to stay awake to watch him making history. The Prestonpans southpaw takes on Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas for the right to become undisputed super-lightweight champion of the world.
Taylor would become the first British boxer to hold all four belts of a division at the same time in just his 18th professional fight.
With Vegas eight hours behind the UK in the summer, headline acts usually don’t appear in the ring until after 5am British time.
Taylor admits he used to try to stay up all night to watch his boxing heroes in action – but admits he’s too old for that and now sets his alarm to get up to tune in.
And he hopes people all over Britain will do the same on May 22 to see him hopefully achieve his lifelong dream.
The self-styled Tartan Tornado said: “It would probably be better for fans here if it was on a little earlier but in reality people who want to watch the fight will stay up and watch it.
“I know I did over the years. Of course, I’d like it to be UK friendly if possible but I’m sure people will set their alarms or do an all-nighter.
“I used to do the all-nighters but now I set my alarm! As a massive boxing fan, if I’m not in camp then I’ll stay up to tune in.
“When I was younger, I remember sitting up to all hours watching the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Oscar de la Hoya, all the Canelo fights.
“Ricky Hatton against Floyd Mayweather is one that stands out. Although I remember sitting up for Pacquiao against Mayweather at the MGM Grand and I dozed during the ring walk!
“I woke up halfway through the second round so I learned my lesson to go to bed and just set my alarm.”
Taylor admits he’s been
scribbling down his ambitions on bits of paper over the last few years.
And if he realises his dream of becoming undisputed world champion, he will look to step up to welterweight where there could be mouth-watering fights against the likes of Terence Crawford or Errol Spence Jr.
The 30-year-old added: “I’ve been writing this down for the last 18 months, at least. Just writing down: ‘Josh Taylor, undisputed and unified lightwelterweight champion…’
“The only thing that’s changed is crossing out 2020 and writing in 2021. But I’ve been writing it down on bits of paper: ‘Josh Taylor to KO Ramirez.’
“Then I’ve been writing about moving on to welterweight, doing it on any scrap of paper lying about. I’m still doing the things I used to do years ago.
“I’ve ticked a few of those off, done not bad in my short professional career to date, and I’m quite proud of what I’ve achieved. But I’m nowhere near finished. I’m hungry for more.
“I want to win this fight,
make a defence of the titles and then move up to welterweight, chase a second weight world title as well. So, I’m always setting new goals and new targets. I’m never standing still.
“I feel really lucky to be in this position. But I’ve worked hard to get here. I’ve dedicated my whole adult life to my sport and to my craft.
“For this fight to come off, something every fighter dreams about, headlining in Vegas, I know I’m one of the fortunate few getting to do that.
“So, I feel satisfaction that all my hard work and dedication over the years is paying off. But I’m not finished yet. I’ve still got a job to do.
“Win this fight and that’s something else ticked off the bucket list of things I want to achieve.”
Taylor has no concerns about being on the wrong end of a “hometown” judges’ decision if the bout with the American Ramirez goes the distance.
He added: “I’m not too fussed. If it goes to points and I’m the clear winner the judges can’t rob me.
“If I’ve out-boxed and outfought him, I’m confident the judges will make the right decision. It’s not bothering me otherwise I wouldn’t be going to Vegas.
“It’s not entering my mind and I have every faith in my boxing ability. I’m going to make it such a clear victory there’s no question the judges are going to rob me.”
People who want to watch the fight will stay up and watch it