UNDEFEATED world boxing champion Josh Taylor has signed a deal with American heavyweight promoter Top Rank.

The Prestonpans fighter, who last year became a double world champion at super lightweight, has signed a multi-year promotional agreement with Top Rank while also signing an advisory deal with MTK Global.

He is set to make his debut on ESPN in the coming months.

However, the move has drawn criticism from Cyclone Promotions, who Taylor signed with after turning professional.

Taylor said: “A new year, a new decade with lots of new beginnings and I’m starting this new decade with a big bang.

"2019 was a huge year for me, but 2020 looks set to be even bigger and I’m delighted to have signed a deal with Top Rank and ESPN and an advisory contract with MTK Global.

"I believe I am with the best team to take my career to the next level and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I couldn't ask for a better partnership and know the future looks bright with this team lighting the way."

Jamie Conlan, MTK Global professional development coordinator, added: “Josh Taylor was 2019 Fighter of the Year and won the Word Boxing Super Series in fantastic fashion with his win over Regis Prograis.

"He's now linking up with Top Rank and MTK Global, so his sights are solely set on unifying the division and becoming a global star on both sides of the Atlantic.

“This is a momentous partnership for all involved.

"MTK Global and Top Rank have a recent history of working together with world-class fighters and with Josh Taylor we believe that the best is yet to come, so 2020 will be huge!”

Bob Arum, chairman of Top Rank, said: “Josh Taylor is one of the world’s best fighters and he is a fight fan’s fighter, a tough guy willing to fight anyone we put in front of him.

"Whether it’s Jose Ramirez in a fight for the undisputed junior welterweight title or any of the welterweights out there, he’s ready for the biggest challenges.

“I want to thank Josh’s advisors at MTK Global, who have the same goal as us, which is to make him an international star.”

However, the announcement was met with disappointment by Cyclone Promotions.

A statement from the organisation said: “We are very disappointed to read the news today that Josh Taylor has signed a promotional agreement with another promotional company.

“Josh Taylor is under an exclusive worldwide promotional contract with Cyclone Promotions.

“We have successfully brought Josh to the pinnacle of the sport from the day he turned professional, including working alongside other stakeholders in boxing to deliver him the biggest fights.

“Most recently, Josh became IBF world champion in May 2019, then unified champion in October 2019, and we have been working since then to plan the next stage of his career.

“We are saddened that Josh has felt the need to attempt to break his contract in this manner and frustrated at those who have caused him to do so.”