Josh determined he’ll go out in his own time – and at the top
From Benny Lynch to Scott Harrison via Jackie Patterson and Ken Buchanan, there is plenty of proof success in the ring doesn’t guarantee a happy ending for world champions from Scotland – or anywhere else, for that matter.
Josh Taylor, though, is determined he won’t become one of the sport’s victims.
He produced an outstanding display against Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas last month to become the first Briton to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF belts in the same weight division.
He’s now sitting on top of the world as undisputed champion – but he’s already planning the end of his career.
Taylor intends to enhance his legacy by overcoming future Hall of Famers Terence Crawford, Errol Spence Jr, Shawn Porter and maybe even Manny Pacquaio at welterweight before ending his career undefeated in 2023.
“I want to do a homecoming fight – probably against WBO mandatory contender, Jack Catterall – then head back Stateside for a big one,” said the 30-year-old.
“I’ve got a couple more years, and I could do a few more big fights.
“I could retire today and I’d be happy as I’ve achieved what I wanted to – and more.
“But I’ve still got that desire to go and achieve even more.
I could get a second world title in a second weight. That’s another goal now.
“I’m not standing still, and I’m setting targets all the time.
“Another four or five fights – hopefully, they’re big ones – and then I can retire while I’ve got all my faculties about me.”
Taylor earned a unanimous verdict from American judges against Ramirez.
But, as if to emphasise the pitfalls of boxing, he’s still recovering from that success. He hopes, however, to be back in the ring by September or October.
“My hands are still a bit sore, but I’m fine. This is the fittest I’ve ever been, and I still feel I’ve got more to come,” Taylor insisted.
“Until the day comes where I’m feeling like I maybe don’t have it – or that I don’t have the heart for it any more – that’s when I’ll hang up my gloves.
“I want big fights in America. Ramirez should have been the big one – an undisputed title fight.
“We should have had loads of fans going over to a big arena. That’s what was a wee bit bitter-sweet.
“It should have been a big occasion because a piece of history was being made, and yet I couldn’t take my travelling support with me, so that was a bit frustrating.
“The biggest scalp of my career, and it’s a real shame that my friends and my family weren’t there to see it.”