Buchanan backs Taylor to rule the ring like him

KEN BUCHANAN captivated American fight fans when he upstaged even The Greatest at Madison Square Garden. Now, nearly half a century on from Buchanan sharing top billing with Muhammad Ali at New York’s iconic fight venue, Edinburgh may finally have a worthy successor to the lightweight legend. Josh Taylor has not put a foot wrong since turning professional with Barry McGuigan two years ago in the wake of his Glasgow 2014 gold medal triumph. On Saturday evening, at the Royal Highland Centre, Mexican Miguel Vazquez will provide a real examination of Taylor’s credentials as a potential world champion in what is generally regarded as a ‘risk’ fight. But former world champion Buchanan fully expects the 26-year-old Commonwealth and WBC Silver super lightweight title-holder to pass his biggest test with flying colours. He said: ‘Josh is the closest to me, potentially, in terms of skills, and he’s developing at a fast pace. ‘He’s got the whole lot: ability, movement, the way he bobs and weaves and slips punches and then counterpunches. He also wants to win, just like me.’ Taylor is already building a sizeable following in the States, according to McGuigan, who has lent his backing to the foundation set up to have a statue of Buchanan built in the capital. He added: ‘Ken is held in the highest esteem in the States. ‘We have this weekend’s show going out on Showtime TV in America and Josh’s style is such that they already love him. ‘I think he’s the only Briton who has ever had his pro debut in America. He was on the two Carl Frampton bills, so the US is very important. ‘Josh is as sharp as a razor. I genuinely believe he can win a world title.’