Taylor eyes Edinburgh fight night after unifying titles

Josh Taylor became unified world champion with a points win over Jose Ramirez and said he now wants to fight in in Edinburgh in front of his own fans.

Taylor won a unanimous points victory after a gruelling, thrilling fight in Las Vegas that saw him become the first British four-belt unified champion. The Prestonpans fighter put Ramirez down twice in successive rounds before being declared winner by 114 points to 112 by all three judges.

The 30-year-old became only the fifth man to hold every title in the four-belt era and cements his place as one of the country’s greatest boxers.

The only down side for the Scot was a lack of supporters from home and he believes that the next step is to put on a show in Edinburgh.

“I haven’t boxed in my home city since Miguel Vazquez a few years ago now,” Taylor said.

“Now is the time to fight at Edinburgh Castle or Easter Road.”

The Prestonpans fighter said he still has more to give after achieving his dream, and may look to step up in weight for bigger prizes.

“I still don’t feel I’ve reached my full potential,” he said. “I’ve got more to achieve. I could happily retire today and say ‘That’s me done’ and have ticked all the boxes and hit the jackpot.

“But the desire to do more and keep proving is there. Until I feel I can’t do any better I’ll keep going and going.”

Taylor paid tribute to Ramirez for his efforts and for putting him to the test in a tough 12 rounds.

“It was very, very tough,.” he said. “Hats off to Ramirez, what a champion he was.

“A great person as well and I have nothing but respect and admiration for him. He was a very good champion fighter.

“I hurt him a couple of times and after I put him down all the fight was on my terms. I just stood and boxed him and he didn’t know what to do.

“What I’ve done is show that hard work and dedication pays off. This has been 15 years in the making.

“I’ve dedicated my life to the sport, putting everything on hold like my social life, things I wanted to do with my friends and my family.

“Time with my fiancée, things I’ve missed out on, it’s all been geared to this moment.

“It’s finally paid off.”