The World Boxing Super Series comes to Glasgow on November 3rd with a couple of great fights already having been announced.
Norhern Ireland’s Ryan Burnett (19-0, 9 KO’S) will defend his WBA title against former multiple division world champion, Nonito Donaire (38-5, 24 KO’s).
Scotland’s Josh Taylor (13-0, 11 KO’s) will defend his WBC Silver Super Ligtweight title against American Ryan Martin (22-0, 12 KO’s).
It was Taylor, yesterday, that the media turned out to see in a press conference to announce the upcoming show at the Hydro Arena, Glasgow.
Prestonpans boxer Taylor returns to the home of some of his finest triumphs at the Hydro. Taylor’s last two fights have been at the Hydro, beating Winston Campos by 3rd round TKO in March and then an unanimous decision over former world champion Viktor Postol in June. And with a day that will be etched in the Scottish boxing public memory when Taylor won gold at the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow in 2014 as an amateur.
When asked about appearing at the Hydro, Taylor said, “Its brilliant, I feel the Hydro is now my home, I’ve had such great success there since 2014.
“My biggest victories as a professional have been in the Hydro as well, so it definitely feels like my home. Looking forward to get travelling, going around the world as part of this tournament and seeing different places.”
Has Taylor been studying Martin?
“I’ve only seen bits and bobs of him, I’ve studied enough of him to know what I need to watch for.
“I know he’s a very well rounded fighter, got fast hands, good defensively. Good variation of punches and knows his way around the ring. He’s obviously got power as well although his record doesn’t say, only got 12 stoppages in his 22 wins.
“I know he’s going to throw punches and be strong and I’ll have my hands full. I’m fully confident I’m going to come out on top.”
Taylor feels in great shape and is settled ahead of the fight.
“The way I’ve been performing in the gym, I’m more settled now, got myself my own place down in London. So I’m settled, happy and I’m firing in the gym.
“I feel this is the best shape and condition I’ve been in since I turned professional, so feeling really confident.”
Taylor feels fighting in front of his own fans brings an air of invincibility to him.
“I think it’s brilliant, I don’t think there is anybody that will beat me in front of those fans at the Hydro.
“The atmosphere they make, the noise they make and the support they give me, they throw every single punch with me. So there is no way anybody will beat me in the Hydro, definitely no!”
With some quality operators taking part in the WBSS such as Regis Prograis, former world champion Terry Flanagan and WBA champion Kiryl Relikh however Taylor doesn’t fear any of them.
“I’m not really fussed about any of the opposition. I feel I can beat every single one of them that’s in this competition.
“With that being said, they’re all good fighters, with good amateur careers and very tough fighters. They’re all undefeated, I think. Yeah it’s stiff opposition but I’m fully confident I’m going to come away with the trophy.”
Taylor already knows who he will face in the semi finals should he beat Martin. He will face the winner of Ivan Baranchyk v Anthony Yigit who are fighting for the vacant IBF world championship.
Who would Taylor prefer?
“I don’t care. I think Baranchyk will probably get through that and if so I’m confident I can win that.
“And if Yigit wins it I know I will win that fight as well. I’ve had experience of him in the ring as a professional and experience of him in the amateurs as well. So I’m fairly confident of winning that fight so I’m not bothered who I face.”
There are still some tickets on sale, prices starting at £35, with the Hydro expected to be filled to the rafters backing Taylor, Martin could be in for a difficult night.
Could Scotland have another world champion boxer in the near future, this Scotsman certainly hopes and believes Taylor will not only win a world title but add another one, the Ring belt and Ali Trophy, all if which would come by winning World Boxing Super Series season 2.
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