Kenny Ainslie’s ‘amazing’ night with boxing champion as Prestonpans man carries Josh Taylor's belt to the ring

Kenny Ainslie, who has Down’s Syndrome, stepped into the ring with Prestonpans star Taylor, nicknamed the Tartan Tornado, on Friday evening, ahead of his Commonwealth super lightweight title defence against South African Warren Joubert.

READ MORE: Josh Taylor hails 'perfect performance' as he retains title

Twenty-eight-year-old Kenny, also from Prestonpans, carried the belt to the ring at Edinburgh’s Meadowbank Arena and was on hand to congratulate Taylor after he successfully retained his title.

He told the Courier about an “absolutely amazing” evening, as the 28-year-old rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of the sport, as well as carrying Taylor’s title belt.

“I met Ken Buchanan, Carl Frampton and David Haye on the night as well,” he said.

“It was absolutely amazing.”

Kenny, who works as a cafe assistant at North Berwick Sports Centre and also acts part-time, said he was not nervous before he stepped through the curtain in front of more than 1,500 people at the Meadowbank Arena, and potentially millions watching on television.

“I was not nervous as much because I knew Josh would win,” said Kenny, who was also in attendance at Taylor’s two previous victories in the Capital – as he won the title against Dave Ryan last October, and a 90-second demolition of Adam Mate in October 2015.

The two families have known each other for several years, with Kenny having known Josh – a Commonwealth gold medallist in Glasgow in 2014 – since they were both teenagers.

Kenny with Josh's girlfriend Danielle Murphy

Kenny’s mum, Angie, told the Courier that her son was a big fan of the Tartan Tornado, and did not have to think twice about carrying the belt.

She said: “We’ve known the family for a number of years and Kenny has followed Josh since he started boxing.

“He has been to a couple of his fights and always keeps in touch with him on Facebook and what he is up to.

“Josh was in Las Vegas a few months ago fighting and Kenny was keeping in touch with him there.

“They are just really good friends.

“When Josh won the belt he did say to Kenny that he would like him to carry the belt if he ever defended it and he obviously kept his word.”

Angie, who lives on the town’s Preston Avenue, said that the family had been visiting Kenny’s brother Paul, in London, ahead of the boxing.

However, an early train on Friday morning ensured Kenny was ready for the big night.

She added: “Kenny didn’t have to think twice – he loves the limelight.

“I think he was in the ring longer than Josh as well!

“He loves it and I think he had a really, really good time and got to meet all those boxers as well.”