FORMER undisputed world boxing champion Josh Taylor is aiming to keep his “hopes and dreams alive” when he steps into the ring with Ekow Essuman tomorrow (Saturday).
Taylor unified the light-welterweight division in 2021 but comes into the bout in Glasgow on the back of consecutive defeats.
Now, he is aiming to get back on track and close in on lifting gold in the welterweight division.
Speaking to Courier Sport from his training camp in Liverpool, he said: “This fight is very important.
“I need to win and to look good doing it.
“I need to win it to keep my hopes and dreams alive of become a two-weight world champion.
“I do not feel I have got any pressure and folk can write me off if they want.
“They can write me off at their own peril and it makes victory even sweeter.
“At the end of the day, I will be going out, doing my thing and I am feeling good with no pressure on me.
“I will just go and do the job nice and quietly, and I am looking forward to going out with no expectations and putting on a good show.”
READ MORE: Champion Josh Taylor given Freedom of East Lothian
Saturday’s fight at the OVO Hydro will be the first time that Taylor has stepped into the ring in almost exactly a year.
Twelve months ago, on May 25, he lost on points against Jack Catterall, having defeated him in Glasgow two years earlier.
February 2022 was the last time that Taylor, who grew up in Prestonpans and now lives in Haddington, fought on home soil.
Now he is looking forward to his countrymen cheering him on once again.
He said: “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere and the noise.
“I’m looking forward to the aura, the noise and the fans – I just cannot wait.”
READ MORE: Josh Taylor describes fallout from title fight as 'farcical'
Victory could start some momentum in Taylor’s bid to become a champion at welterweight.
Currently, Mario Barrios (WBC), Brian Norman Jr (WBO), Rolando Romero (WBA regular champion) and Jaron Ennis (WBA super champion and IBF) hold the gold at 147lbs.
Thirty-four-year-old Taylor is keen to “stop him [Essuman] in his tracks”, and hopes to be fighting again later this year.
Essuman, who comes into the bout with a record of 21-1, will also be out to impress, having retained his WBO European welterweight crown towards the end of last year.
Taylor said: “I expect Ekow to come out and try to start quite fast and try to put the pressure on.
“That is what I am expecting and, if he does do that, then that is great.
“If he does come out and try to move around and box, that’s great for me as well.”
READ MORE: Long-serving Hibs star delighted with title triumph
Taylor and Essuman trained together coming through the amateur ranks but friendships will be pushed aside for the night.
Taylor, who is expected to step into the ring at 10pm, added: “Business is business.
“We have got to fight each other.
“Boxing is a very selfish sport and he has his own targets, dreams and ambitions.
“I am standing in the way of them and it is my job to make sure he does not ruin mine.”
Share