IBF and WBA light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor will be looking to etch his name in the history books this weekend as the Scot seeks to become the first British fighter to hold all four world titles in one weight division when he clashes with the undefeated Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
It’s expected to be another tough test for the undefeated southpaw (17-0) but the man from Prestonpans is in a confident mood as he looks to snatch his American opponent’s WBC and WBO straps.
“Are you ready for war? I’ve got the war paint on, the war paint’s ready to go,” the Tartan Tornado buoyantly explained on the Betfred Boxing Show via Boxing Social.
“Everyone always underestimates me, they always underestimate my punching power, my boxing, my movement, my everything - there’s always a wee bit of something, a wee bit of doubt that makes me the underdog for some reason but once I get in a ring and they find out, my performances speak for themself and I plan on doing that on Saturday.”
To many, this fight represents the division’s two best fighters going head-to-head but while Ramirez has racked up 26 wins from his 26 fights as a professional, Taylor believes his opponent is “one-dimensional” and doesn’t seem to be expecting much trouble from the Californian.
“I really don't think he's got anything that I’ve not seen before,” Taylor added.
“I believe he’s one-dimensional albeit he’s very good at what he does. He’s a unified world champion, he’s got two belts, but he does the same thing every fight; come forward, put the pressure on, try to break his opponent down, work the body, work the head, push the pace, and that’s about all he does.
“A lot of his opponents haven’t been able to do it, but two of them have, and twice he’s been beaten and been fortunate to get the decision - very fortunate to get the decision, so he’s easily hittable, I know that and I’m going to hit him with great punches.”
The 30-year-old will be hoping to emulate his hero Ken Buchanan, who unified the world lightweight championship against Ruben Navarro 40 years ago. Buchanan is widely considered the greatest Scottish pugilist of all-time and should Taylor win in Nevada this weekend, his name will sit right alongside his idol’s.
