Five Fights That Defined Josh Taylor’s Career

On July 21, former undisputed super lightweight champion Josh Taylor announced his retirement from professional boxing, citing a recurring issue with his eye. His career will be remembered for the many memorable fights he was involved in. His tenacious, skillful fighting style ensured he operated at the highest level and often won. Here are Taylor‘s five most memorable wins.

Josh Taylor Retires from Professional Boxing

Taylor vs Dave Ryan

On October 21, 2016, Josh Taylor won the first major title of his professional career, defeating Dave Ryan at the Meadowbank Arena in Edinburgh to win the vacant Commonwealth super lightweight title.

Taylor impressed, securing his seventh consecutive stoppage since turning professional. “The Tartan Tornado” started on the front foot, landing two heavy body shots in the opening round. In the third, he scored a knockdown with a well-timed left hook, as his sustained body work began to wear Ryan down. Another knockdown occurred in the fifth round, before the referee, Michael Alexander, stepped in to wave off the contest.

Ohara Davies

On July 8, 2017 at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow, Josh Taylor comprehensively outboxed Ohara Davies to win by seventh-round TKO. The fiery build-up featured plenty of bad blood, but it was Taylor who had the final say. He started brightly and was much sharper than his rival. Davies was made to miss early on, with Taylor countering impressively. The Scottish fighter mixed his attacks impressively, with Davies unable to land anything of note. Taylor scored a knockdown in the third, with Davies dropping to his knees, following a stiff jab.

Davies had his best moment in the sixth round, when he seemingly hurt Taylor with a flurry of punches. But Taylor quickly regained control, landing a huge right hand that floored Davies. Although he beat the count, Taylor followed up with a straight left, which caused Davies to turn his back. The referee stepped in to stop the fight.

Ivan Baranchyk

At the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on May 18, 2019, Josh Taylor won the IBF super lightweight title, defeating Ivan Baranchyk in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final. Taylor was slick throughout, picking his punches with precision. Baranchyk and his pressure tactics, ensured he had success later in the fight, but the cleaner work and two knockdowns in the sixth proved decisive.

The Russian-born Belarusian tried to mount a comeback, but Taylor remained elusive and composed, avoiding any significant trouble. The judges scored the bout 117-109, 115-111 and 115-111 in Taylor’s favour.

Regis Prograis

On October 26, 2019, Taylor faced WBA super lightweight champion Regis Prograis in a unification clash at the 02 Arena in London. It was Taylor’s toughest test to date, but he rose to the occasion in a thrilling back-and-forth contest.

It was a seesaw affair, with Prograis staying composed, while Taylor looked to push the pace. The Scot ended the fight strongly and that was enough for him to win by majority decision.

With the win, Taylor added the WBA and vacant Ring Magazine belts to his IBF title and lifted the World Boxing Super Series trophy.

Jose Ramirez

On May 22, 2021, at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Josh Taylor delivered the finest performance of his career, defeating Jose Ramirez to reach the pinnacle of boxing. Taylor added the WBC and WBO belts to his WBA, IBF and Ring titles, becoming undisputed champion.

Taylor started strongly, winning early exchanges and dropping Ramirez twice, first in the sixth round, then again in the following round, with perfectly timed left hands. Ramirez tried to rally and won some rounds, but Taylor boxed smartly, managing the fight down the stretch.

All three judges scored it 114-112, crowning Taylor the undisputed champion. Despite COVID restrictions, the fight marked a historic achievement and Taylor’s crowning moment.

Despite the disappointment of losing his last three contests, Taylor’s legacy is secure. He reached the pinnacle of boxing and accomplished what every fighter dreams of: becoming an undisputed world champion.