Josh Taylor hasn’t fought in Scotland since defeating Ivan Baranchyk on the Hydro in Could 2019
Undisputed world champion Josh Taylor is relishing a Scottish homecoming bout earlier than a full home after his “tainted” win over Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas.
Taylor, who made historical past by turning into the primary Briton to unify a division within the four-belt period with victory over Ramirez, will face Jack Catterall at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro on 18 December.
A vastly diminished crowd in Vegas – with no UK followers allowed – witnessed Taylor’s epic super-lightweight win.
“I am completely buzzing,” he mentioned.
“I am unable to wait to get again to the Hydro, my second dwelling, and placed on a present for everybody.
“The Ramirez combat was form of tainted and tarnished for as a result of I could not take my household, pals and fanbase with me. So it would not go down as my finest reminiscence or achievement as a result of there was nobody there to share it with me.”
Englishman Catterall, 28, the WBO necessary challenger, stepped apart to permit the Ramirez combat to occur and now will get a shot in any respect 4 belts in opposition to the 30-year-old champion, who has 13 knockouts in his 18-0 file.
The Hydro holds a particular place in Taylor’s affections. It was the place he received Commonwealth Video games gold in 2014 and has hosted half of his fights since he turned skilled the next yr.
Nonetheless, Taylor has not fought in Scotland in his three bouts since defeating Ivan Baranchyk on the Hydro in Could 2019 to win the IBF crown, his first world title.
Ought to he add Catterall to his record of victims, Taylor stays eager to step as much as welterweight for a crack at Terence Crawford.
“There’s nonetheless a lot extra fights in me,” he mentioned. “I might retire in the present day and be half content material, however six months or a yr down the road I would realise I might have accomplished extra. I would be retiring with remorse.
“I wish to create extra historical past and obtain extra greatness. It could be good to be a two-weight world champion.”
