WORLD boxing champion Josh Taylor is gearing up to defend his WBO light-welterweight title against Teofimo Lopez in New York this summer after terms were agreed.
A deal is yet to be formally signed, but the 32-year-old from Prestonpans will no be looking forward to travelling to the Big Apple to take on Lopez on home turf.
The announcement follows speculation on social media that a fight between the two was in the works.
Lopez, 25, has been garnering a growing reputation in the sport, spurred by his recent defeat of Vasyl Lomachenko in 2020.
Taylor, who now lives in Haddington, was due to face Jack Catterall in a much-anticipated rematch, but this was postponed by a foot injury.
Taylor became the undisputed champion in May 2021 after defeating Jose Ramirez, but vacated his belts in order to force a rematch with Catterall after he won controversially on a points decision.
This announcement makes hopes of a rematch in the near future unclear.
It is unknown where the fight in New York would take place, but rumours have circulated that Madison Square Garden may be the venue.
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