NEW world champion Josh Taylor has vowed to go on and unify the division after lifting the IBF World Super Lightweight title.

About 6,000 people packed into the SSE Hydro on Saturday evening to cheer on Taylor as he twice knocked down Ivan Baranchyk en route to victory.

Taylor delighted his supporters by telling them that this victory was just the beginning, with another testing fight against WBA world champion Regis Prograis to come.

Speaking about being crowned world champion, the Prestonpans boxer said: “It is another achievement, another goal, that I want to do.

“I want to win this tournament [the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS)], unify the division and bring the Ali Trophy back home.

“Longer-term goals, I want to go on and become undisputed champion but that is obviously down the line.

“I have got to fight Prograis in the final and I believe I will win that fight.”

Taylor’s WBSS semi-final clash with the previously undefeated Baranchyk was effectively settled in the space of 45 seconds towards the end of the sixth round.

It had been an even contest but, with 50 seconds remaining of the round, the Belarussian found himself on the canvas after tasting Taylor’s right hand.

He picked himself up but was again answering the referee’s count when Taylor put him down for a second time.

Taylor, 28, said: “Once I started hurting him, he started trying to box a little bit.

“I tried to put the pressure on as well but then I got a little bit lazy and switched off a little bit.

“He still had his power, he was still very dangerous right through to the end, so I did not want to switch off and get caught with a big shot.

“He did have his power right until the end, right until the final bell, but it was nice and easy so I took my foot off the gas a little bit.

“I decided to box a little bit more but I could have made it easier for myself but decided to have a little bit of a fight.”

Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Taylor was “over the moon” at having clinched the title.

Now, after a short break, he is getting ready to take on another testing bout when he faces American Prograis.

New IBF world champion Taylor said: “I’m not surprised – I don’t want to sound big-headed but I am not surprised that I am world champion.

“I have always believed in my goals and my ability but it is brilliant to actually realise my dream and become world champion.

“It is a huge weight off my own shoulders.

“Goal achieved, but now it is time to move on, kick on, achieve more and win this tournament.”

No date or venue has been confirmed for the tournament final, which is likely to take place in the autumn.

However, Taylor was predicting a different type of fight against the also unbeaten Prograis, who defeated Julius Indongo – who previously conquered Scot Ricky Burns – to claim the interim WBC Super Lightweight title. He has since won the WBA world title by beating Kiryl Relikh in the other semi-final.

2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Taylor said: “I think the fight with Regis is a very different fight.

“The fight tonight was a much more physical fight and I think this fight will be a much more skilful fight.

“It will be a more tactical fight because we are both smart fighters – intelligent in the ring – but I am more than comfortable.

“I am 100 per cent confident that I am going to win this tournament.

“I am more than happy – wherever it is – to go and win this tournament outright.”