The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Martin’s warning for Taylor and his fans
BOXING: American vows to be ‘electrifying and exciting’
Ryan Martin told Scottish boxing fans to expect to see an “electrifying and exciting” fighter when he takes on local hero Josh Taylor tomorrow night.
Taylor, a 27-year-old superlightweight from Prestonpans with a 13-0-0 record, faces the American in the quarter-final of the World Boxing Super Series at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
The winner will face new IBF superlightweight champion Ivan Baranchyk in the semi-final of the eight-man elimination tournament.
Martin, also unbeaten after 22 bouts, aims to turn on the style in front of a partisan crowd which he insists will inspire rather than intimidate.
The 25-year-old from Ohio said: “On Saturday night, expect an electrifying, exciting Ryan Martin who will give the fans an exciting fight and be at my best.
“I’m just ready to get in there and showcase my skills against a very talented Josh Taylor.
“He’s a good boxer. He’s going to bring out the best in me. That’s basically it.
“I’m looking forward to the crowd. I feel that gives energy to any fighter no matter if it’s your home or not.
“That’s what fighters are like, we like that atmosphere to be electrifying because the sport of boxing is crazy. You have to be crazy to do it.
“I don’t feel he has an advantage because I am good too.”
Martin acknowledged that the tournament has the potential to “change your life” and insists he will not be scared to take risks against Taylor, who is favourite to win.
He said: “If he beats me at my best then he is the best man – I’m not scared to take risks.”
British heavyweights Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora will hold a rematch in London on December 22, it was announced yesterday.
The duo will go head-to-head at the O2 in a highly-anticipated clash which comes two years since Whyte defeated Chisora on a controversial split decision in Manchester.
Whyte, 30, has since beaten Australian Lucas Browne and also in July overcame New Zealand’s former WBO champion Jospeh Parker to stake his claim for a world title shot.
Chisora, meanwhile, will come into the showdown after stopping Carlos Takam in eight rounds.