I’ll join Ken with bite out of Big Apple
Josh Taylor says he’s shown eerie similarities with Ken Buchanan – and hopes they extend as far as taking a bite out of the Big Apple.
The Tartan Tornado emulated his hero by becoming undisputed champion with a Las Vegas victory over Jose Ramirez last weekend.
Taylor is hoping for a reunion with his idol as lockdown rules begin to ease while he’d like to keep on the trail Buchanan blazed in the 70s – all the way to Madison Square Garden.
The Scotsman, now 75, made the New York venue his home when he was in his prime, even topping a bill that included Muhammad Ali.
Taylor said: “It’s quite scary because my long-time sponsor and friend, Ross Koppel at Seconds Out, he posted a photograph the day after the fight with me and my Ring magazine belt and Kenny with his from back in the day.
“The next was him coming home from Puerto Rico with his sunglasses on and bruised face – and another me with my sunglasses on. Wow!
“The similarities between us are incredible. I went over to America and fought in the lion’s den to bring back all the belts just like he did.
“Even the nicknames – I only found out last year he was called the Tartan Legend and, of course, I’m the Tartan Tornado.
“Some of these coincidences are just too good to be true, although I don’t believe in coincidence. This was meant to be happening.
“I’d love to fight in Madison Square Garden, where he ruled the roost 50 years ago. I actually wanted the Ramirez fight in Madison Square Garden because of the massive Scottish and Irish contingent on the east coast.
“Under normal circumstances, that fight would’ve been in New York but I do have a desire to box there in front of that expat audience.”
Taylor was emotional when he received a message of support from Buchanan, who is in care after struggling with his health.
And he’s planning to take his four world bets to see the former champ as soon as he’s allowed.
Taylor said: “I spoke to one of his handlers, who sent me a video of Ken saying: ‘ Well done, son – I’m glad you’ve done it.’”
So convinced was Taylor this was his destiny, he built space in his trophy room to house all of his new belts before they were clinched.
And he knows he’s boxing’s most wanted with the dad of lightweight king Teofimo Lopez first up to claim the Scot was ducking him.
The Prestonpans puncher added: “I’d happily take the fight and cut him down to size.
“I’d bring him down to earth with a bang. I genuinely think I’d beat him up if we ever meet but I’ve no real interest in Teofimo Lopez.
“How they can have the audacity to say I’m scared of him – it’s a joke. It’s quite funny. But I have this big target on my back. The hard work’s just beginning now because of this bull’s eye.”