JOSH Taylor has vowed to bounce back after suffering the first defeat of his professional career.

The boxer saw his world title slip from his grasp at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night as Teofimo Lopez became a two-weight champion.

Taylor, who unified the light welterweight division by winning all four belts, has spoken previously about his desire to win belts in two different divisions.

He told BBC Scotland: “Gutted, obviously, but listen the better man won on the night; no excuses.

“I know I am better than that but the better man won on the night and that is the be all and end all.

“There’s no excuses and I just want to say thank you to everybody for the support, thank you especially to the travelling fans who spent all their hard earned money to come and support me.

East Lothian Courier: Josh Taylor went down to his first professional defeat against Teofimo Lopez in New York CityJosh Taylor went down to his first professional defeat against Teofimo Lopez in New York City (Image: AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

“I am sorry I could not repay them with the victory and round off a great trip for them.

“I am obviously devastated but I will be back.

“Every warrior loses every now and again but it is how you come back that makes you great.

“I’m devastated but I will be back.”

The bout in New York City was Taylor’s first since taking a split decision victory over Jack Catterall in Glasgow in February last year.

On this occasion, it was Lopez who was having his hand raised after the bout went the full 12 rounds.

Taylor, who grew up in Prestonpans and now lives in Haddington, is now considering the possibility of moving up to welterweight.

He added: “I’ll be back.

“I’ll be back and we’ve still got big fights out there on the horizon.”