‘Tough times but they brought us even closer together,’ says trainer
Trainer Shane Mcguigan hailed Josh Taylor’s epic victory at London’s O2 Arena as a momentous team effort. The 31-yearold underlined the physical and mental toll it had taken in preparing for Saturday night’s fight that saw Taylor unify the super lightweight division after his enthralling World Boxing Super Series victory over American Regis Prograis. The camp hasn’t been without its adversity, however, Taylor’s partner of more than nine years Danielle losing her father, James, last month, while Mcguigan lost his youngster sister, Danika, to cancer in July.
And an emotional Mcguigan admitted it had taken enormous dedication from everyone in the gym just to get the Scot into fight mode, given the circumstances.
“This camp hasn’t been the easiest for any of us,” he said. “Josh lost his father-in-law and my sister passed away, as well. So, they’ve been tough times – but they brought us even closer together.
“In the tough rounds, he dug in. And what a fight it was. To win the Ali Trophy, well, he was famous for his fights against Joe Frazier and George Foreman. Taylor versus Prograis lived up to that. Josh Taylor is the best fighter in the world.” Former WBA featherweight champion and Hall of Famer Barry
Mcguigan, Shane’s father who has been singing Taylor’s praises from the first time he clapped eyes on him, was thrilled to see all the hard work come to fruition.
“I want to thank Kalle (Sauerland) for putting the World Boxing Super Series on in the first place,” he said. “They cut out all the nonsense we’ve seen for years, guys hiding behind their titles.
“Josh took the fight to Regis. He couldn’t see for almost three rounds – but he showed that tenacity and courage that only the great fighters have. I really think Josh can take it on from here. He can fight (Jose) Ramirez either in America or over here. I don’t
want to hang around with him. What we’ve done all the way through his career is matched him hard.
“I’ve told all the Scots since the start that he was going to be huge. And I believe, 100 per cent, that he can bring a big crowd with him if we go to America.
“Josh was the No 1 contender for Ramirez but gave that up to fight in the World Boxing Super Series. That was the right decision. We hope he can get Ramirez. Because he beats him, too. I’m so proud of Shane, too, because he’s had a lot to deal with, with my daughter passing away.”
NEIL MCGLADE Our coverage of Josh Taylor’s world title fight is brought to you in association with Watermans Legal