BOXING star Josh Taylor is raring to go ahead of his Commonwealth super lightweight title defence tomorrow (Friday).

Taylor faces South African champion Warren Joubert at the Meadowbank Arena in his first defence of the title he won last October.

The Prestonpans star told Courier Sport he was “flying” after a gruelling six-week training programme, where he’s been put through his paces by trainer Shane McGuigan in London.

Taylor said: “The preparation has gone well and I feel ready to go on Friday night. It has been tough – it’s been like hell at times, but I feel confident and I just can’t wait to get in the ring.”

The county ace, who is unbeaten in his eight professional fights to date, also said he was “100 per cent confident” of retaining his title against the more experienced ‘Warrior’ Joubert.

He added: “From what I’ve seen, he fights a lot like Dave Ryan [who Taylor beat for the title in October].”

When the fight was announced six weeks ago, the 25-year-old said he knew little of his 33-year-old South African opponent, from Johannesburg.

And in fight week, Taylor, dubbed the Tartan Tornado, admits his knowledge of Joubert is still limited.

He added: “There’s only one clip of him on YouTube but all I know is that he’s had 35 fights and he’s the South African champion.

“I’ll not rush into anything – I’ve got 12 rounds and 36 minutes to work out what he’s going to do.

“That’s a long time to be in the ring boxing with someone; I’m fully confident I’ll come away with the belt.”

The Prestonpans ace also said he couldn’t wait to return to the Meadowbank Arena, with a big turnout anticipated.

He added: “The Panners will all be there, so it’s going to be noisy.

“I’ve had great support from all over East Lothian to be honest – if it’s anything like last time it’s going to be a great night.”

Also on the bill tomorrow evening is Haddington middleweight Iain Trotter, who will face an as-yet unnamed opponent in his second professional bout, after victory last weekend.

The evening’s action will be shown live on Spike TV, with coverage getting under way at 8pm

A limited number of tickets are still available, from promoters Cyclone Promotions, through Ticketmaster, or from the boxers directly.