BOXING star Josh Taylor will fight for his first professional belt on October 21 in front of a home crowd.

The Prestonpans fighter will take on Dave Ryan, of Derby, for the vacant Commonwealth Super Lightweight title at Meadowbank Arena, in Edinburgh.

Commonwealth gold medal winner Taylor has enjoyed an impressive start to his professional career with six wins from six fights, all coming by knockout.

Taylor told the Courier: "It is brilliant to have this opportunity so early on in my career.

"Two years on from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, I've got my first professional title fight in Edinburgh, just a few miles from my hometown and in front of my friends and family.

"It will be a huge step up but it's one I feel like I'm ready for and I'm bringing the title back to the Pans."

The 25-year-old has already fought at Meadowbank, having outclassed Adam Mate in just 85 seconds in his second professional fight in October last year.

Now, he will take on 33-year-old Ryan, who has a record of 17 wins and nine defeats.

A press conference is currently being held in Edinburgh.