BREAKING NEWS: Josh knocks out Khongsong in sensational first-round victory

 

WORLD boxing champion Josh Taylor will take on fellow undefeated fighter Apinun Khongsong tomorrow (Saturday) night.

The two men boast perfect records and Taylor will put his WBA and IBF Super Lightweight titles on the line.

Victory for Taylor would edge him closer to a dream bout with Jose Carlos Ramirez, who holds the remaining two titles – WBC and WBO – in the division.

Taylor has not fought since last October when he defeated Regis Prograis in the final of the World Boxing Super Series.

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist has regularly been cheered on by partisan crowds but will be fighting in front of only a television crew, with spectators not allowed at ringside due to coronavirus restrictions.

Despite that, Taylor was in confident mood ahead of taking on his unbeaten rival.

He said: “This is what I live for.

“The big nights and the big stage is what I dreamed of and there is no way I’ll let the pandemic and no crowd let it slip and have an impact on my performance.

“I’m going to take this opportunity with both hands and keep hold of my belts, and then we’ll move on to bigger and better things.”

East Lothian Courier: Josh Taylor became world champion last summer at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Picture: Jennifer Charlton PhotographyJosh Taylor became world champion last summer at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Picture: Jennifer Charlton Photography

Taylor v Khongsong: Where and when?

Six fights are scheduled for the card, which takes place at an empty York Hall, London.

The card is due to get under way at 7.30pm and includes David Oliver Joyce versus Ionut Baluta for the WBO European Super Bantamweight Title.

The show will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and live-streamed on BT Sport’s website and App.

The ring walks for Taylor, originally of Prestonpans but now living in Haddington, and Khongsong, are due to take place at 10pm but that will depend on the undercard results.

East Lothian Courier: Regis Prograis and Josh Taylor (right) came face to face after Taylor's victory over Ivan Baranchyk. Picture: Jennifer Charlton PhotographyRegis Prograis and Josh Taylor (right) came face to face after Taylor's victory over Ivan Baranchyk. Picture: Jennifer Charlton Photography

Taylor v Khongsong: How did they get here?

Boxer: Josh Taylor

Age: 29

Record: 16-0

Knockouts: 12 KOs

Rounds: 90

KO percentage: 75%

Last five fights:

  • v Regis Prograis - Taylor claims a points victory in London and now holds both the IBF and WBA Super Lightweight titles. CLICK HERE
  • v Ivan Baranchyk - The first world title of Taylor's career is secured after a hard-fought victory in Glasgow. CLICK HERE
  • v Ryan Martin - The quarter-final of the World Boxing Super Series goes the way of Taylor after a one-sided bout. CLICK HERE
  • v Viktor Postol - Taylor has to dig deep to maintain his unbeaten record as he takes a win over the experienced Postol. CLICK HERE
  • v Wiston Campos - Campos is a late substitute for Humberto Soto and Taylor wastes little time in making it a dozen fights undefeated. CLICK HERE

East Lothian Courier: Josh Taylor defeated Wiston Campos in Glasgow. Picture: Jennifer Charlton PhotographyJosh Taylor defeated Wiston Campos in Glasgow. Picture: Jennifer Charlton Photography

Boxer: Apinun Khongsong

Age: 24

Record: 16-0

Knockouts: 13 Kos

Rounds: 62

KO percentage: 81.25%