The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Battling Taylor shows guts to take top spot
Josh Taylor revealed he could hardly see from his right eye during the final few rounds of his classic World Boxing Super Series final at O2 Arena where he became the number one fighter in the superlightweight division.
The Tartan Tornado claimed a majority decision win over previously undefeated American Regis Prograis with the judges scoring the bout 114-114, 117-112, 115-113.
It means the Edinburgh boxer now holds two world championship belts – WBA and IBF titles – in addition to his WBC belt and he lists the Ring Magazine belt and World Boxing Super Series Ali Trophy on his impressive CV.
A swollen right eye and then a serious cut above it during the 11th round cast some doubt on whether the Scotsman could see the fight through with Prograis finishing strongly, but he showed incredible resolve to make it to the last bell and both earned a standing ovation after a boxing exhibition.
Taylor, in his 16th professional contest, said at a press conference: “That was a great fight. The face says it all. It was a hard fight. I got caught a few times, it was more head clashes so it made it harder.
“From about midway through round eight to nine, I could hardly see out of my eye because of the swelling.
“I started getting caught with left hands because I couldn’t see anything coming – it completely shut up – so it was hard to see anything from the side.
“The last two rounds I was fighting on instinct and with one eye. All tactics went out of the window for the last two-and-a-half rounds and I just used all my heart and determination.”
The 26-year-old added: “I knew I had won it, but you never know what the judges will say and I was a bit nervous because I wanted it so much.”
The Scots at 02 Arena did not have all good news to cheer with Ricky Burns losing out to Welshman Lee Selby on a majority points decision.
Derek Chisora was smiling, however, after David Price’s corner chucked in the towel midway through the fourth round.