Josh Taylor has a huge opportunity next weekend. Taking on Jose Ramirez for every belt at super-lightweight, Taylor has the opportunity to become the first British boxer to hold all four world titles in a single weight class.
The undefeated Scot, currently in Las Vegas with Ben Davison putting the finishing touches to another gruelling training camp, has enjoyed a stellar rise to the top of the 140lbs division. Excellent victories over the likes of Viktor Postol and Regis Prograis have cemented Taylor’s place as one of the world’s best fighters and he can add to that with a win over Ramirez.
Like Taylor, the Californian has been in relentless form on his pursuit for greatness. Under the tutelage of Robert Garcia, Ramirez has become a formidable fighter and his imminent bout with Taylor is expected to produce fireworks. The Edinburgh man admits that Ramirez is his toughest test so far.
“I’ve trained hard and done everything I can do to the best of my ability,” said Taylor when speaking to IFL TV. “This is the best prepared I have ever been and I’m going to enjoy the ride. This is a colossal fight, not just for myself but for all of Scotland.”
“I’d be the first person in Scotland to be a four-belt undisputed world champion, and the first undisputed champion since Ken Buchanan. To make sporting history and go into the history books is massive and gets my juices flowing.
“I’ve always dreamed of being undisputed champion and if you had told me a few years ago I’d nearly be here I wouldn’t have believed you. On paper Ramirez is my toughest fight to date. He’s a unified world champion and a decorated fighter, buy I can’t see him beating me, I can’t see it at all.”