Josh Taylor looks set to fight to unify the junior welterweight titles after signing a multi-fight deal with Top Rank Boxing.
The Prestonpans fighter announced his contract with the US promoter, with ESPN signed up to screen his first fight under the new deal later this year.
Taylor holds the WBA and IBF titles after defeating Regis Prograis and winning the Muhammed Ali trophy last year in the final of the World Boxing Super Series.
“This will take my career to the next level and get me massive fights in America with the biggest names in boxing,” he said. “I’m super excited to get going and keep your eyes peeled for fight news soon.”
His deal with Top Rank sets up a likely unification fight with Jose Ramirez, now that the two share a promoter.
The 27-year-old Mexican holds the WBC and WBO titles and is in action against Viktor Postol and, should he come through unscathed, a meeting with Taylor would be a big fixture later in the year.
Taylor also announced that he had signed “an advisory deal” with management MTK Global.
MTK Global Professional Development Coordinator Jamie Conlan added: “Josh Taylor was 2019 Fighter of the Year and won the Word Boxing Super Series in fantastic fashion with his win over Regis Prograis.
“He’s now linking up with Top Rank and MTK Global, so his sights are solely set on unifying the division and becoming a global star on both sides of the Atlantic.
“This is a momentous partnership for all involved. MTK Global and Top Rank have a recent history of working together with world class fighters and with Josh Taylor we believe that the best is yet to come, so 2020 will be huge!”
However, Cyclone Promotions have handled Taylor’s previous fights and have released a statement saying that they believe the boxer is still under contract with them.
The statement read: “We are very disappointed to read the news that Josh Taylor has signed a promotional agreement with another promotional company. Josh Taylor is under an exclusive worldwide promotinoal contract with Cyclone Promotions.
“We have successfully brought Josh to the pinnacle of the sport from the day that he turned professional, including working alongside other stakeholders in boxing to deliver him the biggest fights. Most recently, Josh became IBF Champion in May 2019 then unified champion in October 2019, and we have been working since then to plan the next stage of his career. We are saddened that Josh has felt the need to break his contract in this manner and frustrated at those who have cause him to do so.”
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