Josh Taylor suffered a third defeat on the spin in Glasgow this weekend, leaving many to feel he may be ready to call time on a history-making career.
‘The Tartan Tornado’ – Britain’s first and only male undisputed world champion in the four-belt era – made his debut at welterweight after years of being tight at the 140lbs super-lightweight limit. He was tasked with delivering a statement performance in this new division against a tough operator in Ekow Essuman, known as ‘The Engine’ for good reason.
Though Taylor started well in the first and showed shades of his prime, as the rounds went on his output slowed and Essuman, 36, began to turn the tide. By the time the final bell sounded, the Nottingham man had been soundly outworking and outlanding the Scot for a number of rounds.
Essuman, a considerable underdog, was awarded the unanimous decision with scores of 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113. Taylor promptly left the ring, something he later apologised to fans for in an interview with IFL TV.
“The support I’ve received and have had in the last ten years, the atmosphere they create in The Hydro, it means the world to me. The support they give me, how they make me feel when I accomplish things … I just want to take the opportunity to apologise for doing that. I didn’t want to say anything live on TV that I would maybe end up regretting.”
Asked about the fight, Taylor admitted that he could see it going either way but took issue with the scorecards.
“I thought halfway through the fight I was up and then the last couple of rounds got tight. I thought I could’ve maybe sealed the deal with the last round, but he ended up winning the last round. I thought it could be close or maybe he’s got it, but I didn’t think it could be that bloody much with the points … Congratulations to Ekow. Fought a great fight … Sorry again everybody for looking like a spoiled brat, it’s not a good look.”
On his future at 34-years-old, the former undisputed champion left little doubt that he would fight on, and floated the idea of a rematch with Essuman.
“I would love to do it again, get it back, but he’s well entitled to go and do other things … I would love to get it done again, have another good fight. Cause it was a good fight … Thank you to everybody for the support. I’ll be back.”
