WORLD champion boxer Josh Taylor has secured a unification bout with Jose Ramirez in May.

Prestonpans fighter Taylor, who holds the WBA and IBF world title belts at light-welterweight, will take on America's Ramirez, the WBC and WBO champion, on May 22.

The winner of the fight – which is expected to take place in Las Vegas at a venue still to be confirmed – will become undisputed champion of the division by holding all four world title belts.

Both Taylor, 30, and 28-year-old Ramirez are undefeated, boasting professional records of 17-0 and 26-0 respectively.

Taylor, who now lives in Haddington, last fought in September and brushed aside Thailand's Apinun Khongsong with a devastating first-round knockout.

The Tartan Tornado said: “I’m excited it’s finalised and over the line.

"I can’t wait to get in there for the biggest fight of my career.

"Fighting for the undisputed title is something all boxers dream about.”

Bob Arum, founder of Top Rank, which promotes both boxers, said: “This is the best boxing has to offer, two elite fighters in the prime of their careers colliding in a legacy-defining match-up for the undisputed championship of the world.

“It’s a true 50-50 fight, one that the fans and both fighters demanded.”