BOXING star Josh Taylor is in the “shape of his life” as he prepares for the biggest bout of his career tomorrow (Saturday).

Taylor, from Prestonpans, will take on 25-year-old Englishman Ohara Davies at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow, as the pair put their undefeated records on the line.

Also up for grabs will be Taylor’s Commonwealth super lightweight belt and Davies’ WBC silver crown.

Ahead of the big bout, dubbed ‘Bad Blood’ by promoters due to the pair’s long-standing war of words on social media, Taylor’s camp were in confident mood.

His coach, Shane McGuigan, son of former world champion Barry, who runs the Cyclone Promotions stable Taylor is aligned with, said Taylor was “looking the best I’ve ever seen him”.

He added that the county ace, who is undefeated in nine professional bouts is “so sharp and in the shape of his life... July 8 is his moment to make a big statement”.

And while Taylor told Courier Sport he had “respect” for Davies’ previous achievements, he was quick to play them down.

He said: “When he beat Derry Matthews, you could see Derry was done. He really showed his age, so I can’t take too much from that.”

Taylor, known as the Tartan Tornado, added: “He has not been in the ring with anyone at my level.

“I am better than him – look at the guys I’ve fought: Warren Joubert and Dave Ryan were both good opponents.”

He was also relishing the prospect of stepping back into the ring in Glasgow for the first time since his Commonwealth Games gold medal three years ago.

Although at a different venue, the 26-year-old former Preston Lodge High School pupil said “That is one of the highlights of my career so it will be good to be back.”

Davies, though, was in similarly confident mood.

He said: “I believe I can beat anyone. If he is the best, put me in with him and I’ll prove I can beat him. That’s what I’m going to do.

“He’s got a good coach and a good team, but [mine are] better. This will be my hardest fight yet, but I can’t wait to get it on.”

He did, though, retract a statement he made on social media where he called Taylor “a bum”, adding: “He’s not a bum, though. If he was, we wouldn’t be fighting in a main event on this big show.

“He’s a good fighter, but that’s what I’m in this game for.

“I want to take the best fights, because I’ve got a fighter’s heart.”