Boxing Live: In preparation for his WBO super-lightweight title defence against Teofimo Lopez on June 10, Josh Taylor claims he is “laser-focused” and has learned from the “complacency” that crept into his training for his disputed victory over Jack Catterall the year before.
Taylor, who has won all 19 of his professional fights without losing, defeated Catterall in his most recent match in a contentious split decision. He never lost a belt in the ring, but as he prepared for a rematch with Catterall, he gave up three of his four championships.
An injury sustained by the Scotsman earlier this year forced the cancellation of the proposed fight with Catterall. Taylor accepted the challenge after Lopez was ordered to defend the WBO belt in person.
I’m really laser-focused this time,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “That’s the mistake I made the first time; I failed to retain passion and attention and lost track of what was in front of me.
“No, it’s not a simple assignment, but I’m doing a lot better than last time. The last time, I lacked desire and discipline, which slowly crept throughout the entire performance.
“I never prepared well, and as they say, ‘If you don’t plan, you plan to fail’. The last time, I nearly failed.
“It seemed like I had just scaled Mount Everest when I became the uncontested world champion, and I went out and enjoyed life a little too much. I ate a little too much food, drank a little too much, and had a little too much pizza. A little complacency had crept in from where I had just been.
“I shall not repeat that error; I have surely learnt my lesson.”
“I feel great,” the 32-year-old Scotsman continued. I feel like I’ve gotten back on solid ground and am feeling like my old self.
“I feel like I’ve been born anew! I’m ready to depart in a few weeks and am operating at full capacity.”
When Taylor defeated Jose Ramirez in 2021 to unify the IBF, WBA, WBC, and WBO championships, he became the first undisputed champion for the UK during the four-belt period.
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