JOSH Taylor will face a “stern test” when he steps in the ring to defend his Commonwealth super lightweight title at the weekend.

The unbeaten Prestonpans fighter will defend his belt against South African Warren ‘The Warrior’ Joubert at Meadowbank Arena on Friday evening.

Barry McGuigan, Taylor’s manager and a former world champion, sung the praises of the 33-year-old South African

The Northern Irishman said: “He is a very tough kid, he is very experienced. He’ll come to fight.

“Joubert was one of the Commonwealth Boxing Council’s selected contenders and we know he’ll provide Josh with a stern test. I’m delighted it will be live and exclusive on Channel 5.

“The crowd were unbelievable last time Josh boxed at Meadowbank and I can’t wait for another noisy night of championship boxing.”

Taylor, meanwhile, admitted he knows little about the South African veteran.

The former Preston Lodge High School pupil, who won gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games before joining the professional ranks, was wary of Joubert, nicknamed ‘the Warrior’.

He told Courier Sport: “He’s got a good record but I don’t really know much else about him.

“It looks like he comes forward and pushes so it looks like he’ll be coming to fight. It makes for a good fight.”

Joubert, from Johannesburg, is the current South African lightweight champion and is adamant he will win the Commonwealth super lightweight title next Friday.

He said: “I’m delighted to get this shot at the Commonwealth belt. I’ve worked hard for a very long time, winning my national title and defending it against the best in South Africa. I believe I’ve earned my shot the hard way.

“I respect Josh Taylor for giving me this opportunity but I’m afraid it’s going to end in tears for the boy.

“He’s had it all his own way as a pro but I’m coming to win and taking the title back to South Africa.”

Despite being wary of Joubert, Cyclone Promotions founder McGuigan praised county fighter Taylor.

He added: “He is going to be a superstar. He is the most talented kid in the country, without a doubt.

“We built up [Carl] Frampton in Northern Ireland, and we want to do exactly the same thing with Josh in Scotland.”

Tickets are on sale via Cyclone Promotions or Ticketmaster, and are priced £40 or £60, or £100 for VIP.