Josh Taylor says he no longer carries the burden of expectation as he takes the first step in his bid to become a two-weight world champion against Ekow Essuman in Glasgow on Saturday.
After the peak of cleaning out the light-welterweight division to become the UK’s first undisputed champion in the four-belt era in 2021, the Scot’s career has lost momentum.
Since that memorable victory over Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas five years ago, Taylor has fought just three times – a controversial points victory over Jack Catterall, a decision loss to American star Teofimo Lopez and a points defeat in the Catterall rematch last year.
“I feel like all the expectation of the whole nation, it’s all kind of gone now,” Taylor, 34, told BBC Scotland.
“So there’s been a kind of a weight and a cloud lifted from above my head. I’m back to enjoying my boxing, I’m back to just going about my business and proving people wrong again.
“After I’d become undisputed, I went stale. I had done it, I had achieved it, completed it. So now it’s back to the drawing board, and we’ll have to go into becoming a two-weight world champion.”
Taylor is a strong favourite against 36-year-old Essuman, a durable opponent but one who has never got near the level the Scot has been operating at.
The Tartan Tornado knows a defeat against the WBO European welterweight titleholder is unthinkable. He needs to win, and win well.
“I don’t care what way it comes – by way of knockout or stoppage, or retirement, points win, comprehensive points win, said Taylor, who is gearing up for just his sixth fight in the past six years.
“As long as I look good getting the win, that’s what matters. As long as I perform well, and get the belief back in me again from other people.
“I’ve not even comprehended losing, it can’t come into my mind. It can’t happen, it won’t happen.
“If that does happen and I have to go and climb back down the ladder and fight lesser opponents to get back up to where I am now, and then move up – nah, I’m not doing that.
“I’m here to be the best.”
