PRESTONPANS boxing sensation Josh Taylor is raring to go ahead of his WBC Silver super lightweight title defence against Miguel Vazquez this weekend,

The Tartan Tornado is completing his preparations for the biggest fight of his professional career as he takes on the former Mexican former world champion at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston on Saturday evening.

And as part of the final preparations, Taylor and Vazquez will weigh-in at Prestonpans Community Centre tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, with a big public turnout expected. 

Danielle Murphy, Taylor's girlfriend, told Courier Sport how Jake McGuigan, son of Taylor's promoter Barry, suggested Prestonpans as the venue. 

East Lothian Courier:

Danielle (pictured above) said: "It was actually Jake's idea. The team were trying to find somewhere that would be a good location and Jake had mentioned Prestonpans.

"Diane and I thought it would be a great place to have it.
"This is the first time anything like this had happened in Prestonpans and we are hoping that people from all over East Lothian will come to see the weigh-in.

"Its' not everyday that this happens in your home town so people should definitely take advantage of it."

Saturday evening's fight will be Taylor's 11th as a professional, while the Mexican – a former IBF world super lightweight champion for more than four years – has more than 40 fights under his belt.

However, Taylor, who has been tipped for a world title shot within a year refused to be over-awed by his more experienced opponent. 

He told Courier Sport: "I thrive under the big lights so I do not feel any pressure at all.
"I will use all my experience, both as a professional and from my amateur days.

"At the [2014] Commonwealth Games, I was the poster boy for Scottish boxing and everyone was talking about me winning the gold medal before I had even been picked for the squad.

"That was massive pressure – I know what it's like so I'll just believe in my own ability and knock all that to the side."

And the county sensation, dubbed the Tartan Tornado, hopes a big home support – including many fans from his hometown – will spur him on as he prepares to take on the vastly-experienced Mexican. 

"I look for the big nights – the nerves, the fear – it is brilliant. The buzz that you get is just unbelievable," he said, adding: "I don't feel any pressure."

The former Preston Lodge High School pupil also acknowledged that facing Vazquez is "a risk".

East Lothian Courier:

He said: "This guy is a serious fighter and he's four years world champion and he has fought the best in the world.

"When I get through this I am definitely on the world stage."
And Taylor also gave Courier Sport an indication as to how he'll approach the fight. 

"I need to be patient with him, take my time and don't rush in," the 26-year-old said, while adding: "he's has had plenty of experience – he's been in with Timothy Bradley, Alvarez, Argenis Mendez, Prescott, so he is definitely a tough cookie.

"I respect him and I'm training really hard for this fight."

Tomorrow's weigh-in at Prestonpans Community Centre gets under way at 1.30pm.