Boxing Live: Josh Taylor has something to prove in their matchup this weekend against Teofimo Lopez.
After a disappointing performance in his most recent fight against Jack Catterall, the Scot is viewing his WBO super-lightweight championship defence against the New Yorker as an opportunity at atonement.
Taylor defended his unquestioned title in Glasgow in February of last year, although in a contentious split decision.
Rematch requests started to flow in right away. Taylor had to give up three of his four world titles when an agreement was struck. That fight finally fell through due to a ruptured tendon in Taylor’s heel, though.
The “Tartan Tornado” is returning after a protracted absence to face Lopez, the mandatory challenger for his WBO title. Taylor is eager to show off the skills that propelled him to the top of the sport.
“I don’t think I have a point to prove in terms of the fighter I am, the calibre, but I do have a point to prove in putting on a big performance here and saying, ‘look, I told you I’m not going anywhere, I’m still the world’s top fighter,” he said in a statement to Sky Sports.
“All of a sudden, I’m down here in people’s estimations because of one poor performance in the past ten years. This is the time when you’ll see the best of me since I have something important to prove and a chip on my shoulder.”
The WBO champion will face a challenging opponent who, in his opinion, will not only make for a more exciting bout but also present him with a larger test than Catterall.
“This conflict, in my opinion, is far broader on a global scale. The bout is huge for boxing globally,” according to Taylor.
“I think the struggle will be harder as well. Teofimo, in my opinion, is a far higher-grade opponent than Catterall overall. Simply said, he is more competent than Catterall in every way.
“He can do it all because of his athleticism, power, punching speed, and combos, among other attributes. He is an excellent fighter. However, he will be up against a superior combatant in me.”
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