BoxRec

Press Release

WBA/IBF junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor will make his return to the ring from BT Sport Studio in London against IBF No 1 contender Apinun Khongsong on Saturday, Sept. 26, live on ESPN+ in the United States and BT Sport in the UK. This will be Taylor’s first fight since signing with MTK Global and Top Rank earlier this year.

Promoted by allegedly’s Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank, “The Tartan Tornado” will make his first appearance in the ring since his triumph in the World Boxing Super Series in London, where he defeated the previously unbeaten Regis Prograis to add the American's WBA title to his own IBF version, while also claiming the WBSS trophy and the coveted Ring Magazine belt.

Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs) became world champion during the series when he defeated the then-unbeaten Ivan Baranchyk via unanimous decision in Glasgow, Scotland.

Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs), from Bangkok, worked his way into mandatory position by winning the IBF Pan Pacific and IBF Asia titles. He has knocked out his last six foes, including former world title challenger Akihiro Kondo last February.

Taylor said, "I'm excited to be back in the ring after a long layoff. The coronavirus had put everything on hold for a few months, so it's been nice to be in the gym again and back to some normality.

"I didn't want a warm-up fight, so getting straight back in there against my mandatory challenger is great, as it's kept me fully focused. I want big fights in my career, so this is an important fight with my belts on the line.

"Training has been going well and I'm feeling fit and strong. I've watched a fair bit of my opponent and I've seen his strengths and weaknesses, and I'm very confident going into this fight. I can't wait."

“Josh Taylor is on a collision course to a fight for the undisputed title, but he must first get past a very tough Thai fighter in Khongsong,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “We are delighted that Josh’s talents will be shown live to ESPN+ and BT Sport viewers, and I expect a spectacular performance come Sept. 26.”

Jamie Conlan, VP of MTK Global, Taylor’s management company, said, “I am delighted to see the best fighter in the 140-pound division back in action. Josh has used the pandemic to his own advantage, using the layoff to spend more time with his new coach, Ben Davison, and building a relationship together.

“Khongsong provides a real tough test as he’s the mandatory for a reason, undefeated and a big puncher. Josh really needs to be on his game to keep the big fight with Jose Ramirez in the pipeline.”

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Press Release

WBA/IBF super lightweight world champion Josh Taylor will make his long-awaited return to The SSE Hydro in Glasgow to face unbeaten Thai contender Apinun Khongsong on Saturday, May 2.

Taylor, from Edinburgh, Scotland, has headlined The SSE Hydro four previous times, where he has drawn raucous crowds.

Promoted by allegedly’s Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank, “The Tartan Tornado” will make his first appearance in the ring since his triumph in final of the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) in London, where he defeated the previously unbeaten Regis Prograis to add the American's WBA title to his own IBF version.

ESPN+ will have live coverage of Taylor-Khongsong beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.

“Josh Taylor is a truly special fighter who is set on becoming the undisputed 140-pound champion in 2020,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I have no doubt he will put on a sensational performance for his home fans. I can’t wait for ‘The Tartan Tornado’ to return.”

"I am delighted that we are able to be part of bringing Josh Taylor to Glasgow at such an important juncture in his career,” Warren said. "Josh is destined for many big fights over in the States, but he has got business to attend to first on the home front, and this presents an opportunity for the Scottish fans to really get behind their man in huge world title action.”

Said Sandra Vaughan, CEO, MTK Global: "We're delighted to be working with BT Sport and ESPN+ to put on a show of this magnitude in Scotland with an incredible talent, Josh Taylor. Josh is a true ambassador for Scottish boxing and we are thrilled to be working with him, and the teams at Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank to make this happen."

Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs) became world champion last May when he defeated the then-unbeaten Ivan Baranchyk via unanimous decision in Glasgow. He then bested Prograis via majority decision in one of the best action fights of 2019, a victory that put him alongside the division’s other unified world champion, Jose Ramirez. Taylor earned his spot in the WBSS with a convincing decision over former world champion Viktor “The Iceman” Postol.

"I am super excited to kickstart the new year with a fresh start and with a new team,” Taylor said. “It's great to have the teams at MTK Global, Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank in my corner, and I’m delighted to be fighting on BT Sport and ESPN+ and even more so that this is happening in Scotland in front of a home crowd who have waited so long for this! I can’t wait to get the ball rolling with putting on a great performance."

Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs), from Bangkok, earned his mandatory position by winning the IBF Pan Pacific and IBF Asia titles. He has won six in a row by knockout and will be making his first ring appearance outside of Asia. Last February, he became the first fighter to knock out Japanese veteran and former world title challenger Akihiro Kondo.

Will definitely be heading to this. Hopefully there's a good undercard as well. Don't think he's announced his new trainer yet has he?

Stuarty wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 14:44 Will definitely be heading to this. Hopefully there's a good undercard as well. Don't think he's announced his new trainer yet has he?

Stuarty wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 14:44 Will definitely be heading to this. Hopefully there's a good undercard as well. Don't think he's announced his new trainer yet has he?

IFL video - Ben Davidson.

Not sure that’s great selection.

Is Davison's rep based entirely on the Fury fight, where Tys didn't do nearly as good as he did in the rematch with a different trainer, using tactics that Roach wanted Fury to use the first time? Was Benny cornering BJS vs in his dismal showing vs that Russian bloke too?

I just don't really get it with Davison or why he's suddenly become a 'top' trainer

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 16:17 Is Davison's rep based entirely on the Fury fight, where Tys didn't do nearly as good as he did in the rematch with a different trainer, using tactics that Roach wanted Fury to use the first time? Was Benny cornering BJS vs in his dismal showing vs that Russian bloke too?

I just don't really get it with Davison or why he's suddenly become a 'top' trainer

He was.

I like the job Davison did with Fury, I like his calm, clear attitude too.

Of course in hindsight it can be said that his tactics should have been more aggressive in the first fight. However it could be said that the more defensive tactics were right after the lay off.

Watching one of John Fury's vids he said Davison was a boy doing a mans job and was a PT instructor last year.

Haye disagreed with him, he seems a fan, and also said that while he was new to the game everyone has to start out somewhere and Booth was a PT instructor before they teamed up together.

Crap change for Josh. Shane did a great job to put him top of the pile, hasnt lost many fights. This seems a big risk for him when he is at prime earnings.

samwbr wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 18:45 Crap change for Josh. Shane did a great job to put him top of the pile, hasnt lost many fights. This seems a big risk for him when he is at prime earnings.

Yeah he went to Booth and said he was going to look at America.

Just don’t think BJS has looked as good under him as opposed to Ingle/Lemeiux performance.

Fury’s Dad wasn’t impressed - he got Fury back and fitter but he’s not that experienced at 27 for guy like Taylor who wants to unify belts.

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 16:17 Is Davison's rep based entirely on the Fury fight, where Tys didn't do nearly as good as he did in the rematch with a different trainer, using tactics that Roach wanted Fury to use the first time? Was Benny cornering BJS vs in his dismal showing vs that Russian bloke too?

I just don't really get it with Davison or why he's suddenly become a 'top' trainer

Probably because in truth, like me, you’ve never see him work first hand and you don’t actually know what is truly required to put together a fight camp and train a good quality fighter for huge stakes in professional boxing.

Perhaps Davison is actually very good despite his lack of experience. There is no way Saunders, Fury and now Taylor would have ever engaged with Davison if he wasn’t at least very competent and decent.

Disagree, all it takes is 1 guy and you get a bandwagon effect, happens all the time with trainers, there's what I was looking for!

Watched a youtube video of him with Woodhall, Haye and Jones explaining the tactics in the first Fury/Wilder fight. I was impressed, had an eye for detail and how to work a gameplan. Promising young coach that I wish well.

NoScoutingReports wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 15:31

Stuarty wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 14:44 Will definitely be heading to this. Hopefully there's a good undercard as well. Don't think he's announced his new trainer yet has he?

Cheers mate. Not sure how i feel about that one tbh. What's your thoughts? I'd have preferred to see him go with someone more experienced.

3132DW wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 16:08

Stuarty wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 14:44 Will definitely be heading to this. Hopefully there's a good undercard as well. Don't think he's announced his new trainer yet has he?

IFL video - Ben Davidson.

Not sure that’s great selection.

Aye same mate

liamlion wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 19:18

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 16:17 Is Davison's rep based entirely on the Fury fight, where Tys didn't do nearly as good as he did in the rematch with a different trainer, using tactics that Roach wanted Fury to use the first time? Was Benny cornering BJS vs in his dismal showing vs that Russian bloke too?

I just don't really get it with Davison or why he's suddenly become a 'top' trainer

Probably because in truth, like me, you’ve never see him work first hand and you don’t actually know what is truly required to put together a fight camp and train a good quality fighter for huge stakes in professional boxing.

Perhaps Davison is actually very good despite his lack of experience. There is no way Saunders, Fury and now Taylor would have ever engaged with Davison if he wasn’t at least very competent and decent.

He comes across as a likeable guy and 'one of the boys'.. Perhaps fighters just feel comfortable with him?

Stuarty wrote: ↑28 Feb 2020, 03:58

NoScoutingReports wrote: ↑27 Feb 2020, 15:31

Cheers mate. Not sure how i feel about that one tbh. What's your thoughts? I'd have preferred to see him go with someone more experienced.

Only time will tell I guess, other much more experienced guys were seemingly in the hat but as Liam says above he must be an effective trainer behind the scenes if these quality fighters are putting their trust in him (despite the current lack of experience).

what i have seen of apinun has a lazy jab, he gets hit a lot, fights on the back foot where he likes to throw bigs shots when fighter is coming on, main punch uppercuts long range body shots, taylor in my eyes is a superstar in the making, scum they have sullied his name as i would of love to hear a deffing rendition of o flower of scotland like the burns fights, taylor wipes the floor with this geezer in 2 rds i reckon

brilo33 wrote: ↑29 Feb 2020, 14:52 what i have seen of apinun has a lazy jab, he gets hit a lot, fights on the back foot where he likes to throw bigs shots when fighter is coming on, main punch uppercuts long range body shots, taylor in my eyes is a superstar in the making, scum they have sullied his name as i would of love to hear a deffing rendition of o flower of scotland like the burns fights, taylor wipes the floor with this geezer in 2 rds i reckon

I fuckin hate the national anthems It's proper tedious! Especially that monotoned droning of Flower of Scotland I don't mind the Welsh one

Press Release - Undercard information

THE SUPPORTING CAST to unified world super lightweight champion Josh Taylor's return to Glasgow on Saturday May 2 is beginning to take shape with a press conference scheduled for Wednesday to unveil the line-up.

Headliner Taylor makes his first ring appearance since conquering the World Boxing Super Series, which saw him defeat the previously unbeaten Regis Prograis in the final to unite the IBF and WBA titles, as well as claim the coveted Ring Magazine belt.

The Tartan Tornado undertakes his mandatory challenge in Glasgow against the unbeaten Thai Apinun Khongsong and he will be on hand at The Hilton Grosvenor hotel in Glasgow at 2pm on Wednesday to discuss this huge title defence.

Elsewhere on the card, it has been announced that the unbeaten Willy Hutchinson (11-0, 7KOs) from Carstairs gets the opportunity to perform in front of a home audience. Scotland's only World Amateur champion will fight for a first championship at super middleweight.

The British super flyweight champion Sunny Edwards (14-0, 4KOs) will make a first defence of his Lonsdale Belt on the night, having won his maiden domestic title by defeating Marcel Braithwaite for the vacant honour in December.

Edwards' Steel City Gym teammate and also British champion Lee McGregor (8-0, 6KOs) will also make a first defence of his treasured belt. The bantamweight champion added the British to his Commonwealth title by defeating fellow Scot Kash Farooq in an epic struggle in November.

Undefeated super welterweight Troy Williamson (14-0-1, 11KOs) from Darlington will make a defence of his IBF European title, while popular heavyweight contender Nathan Gorman (16-1, 11KOs) will return to action following a first career setback against Daniel Dubois last July.

The stacked card will also feature Glasgow super lightweight Craig McIntyre (11-0-1, 4KOs), Uddingston super welterweight Michael McGurk (12-0, 3KOs), Coatbridge featherweight Mark McKeown (2-0), with Berwick-Upon-Tweed heavyweight Mitchell Barton making his professional debut and York's hugely promising super welterweight George Davey (2-0) completing the line-up.

A VERY GOOD Scottish card.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 14:06 A VERY GOOD Scottish card.

True. I would be disappointed if our Scottish posters didn't get along to this one. Sure the main event is a little underwhelming- unless Kongdong is way better than the few clips I have managed to find if him. Still, seeing Taylor is pretty cool if your Scottish, because he is up there with the tartan ATG's.

Looks like it could be a good card. Depends on the opponents right enough. Some decent names. Definitely gonna go along to this. My Mrs hasn't been to a fight before so she's getting dragged along.

Hutchison at SMW is interesting - always thought he should be a SMW but they have been at LH since he turned pro.

Stuarty wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 14:42 Looks like it could be a good card. Depends on the opponents right enough. Some decent names. Definitely gonna go along to this. My Mrs hasn't been to a fight before so she's getting dragged along.

Need to get as many local fighters on the card selling 200,300,400 each to fill it out.

Especially if Whyte/Povetkin goes that night (PPV) and DAZN launch as well same evening as that’s rumoured date of that PPV.

Stuarty wrote: ↑02 Mar 2020, 14:42 Looks like it could be a good card. Depends on the opponents right enough. Some decent names. Definitely gonna go along to this. My Mrs hasn't been to a fight before so she's getting dragged along.

Invest in a few drinkies for her. A few drinks at a boxing match and most women are baying for blood more than the men.
And for women, half naked men battling it out can be an aphrodisiac- so don't drink too much yerself, you may need to break out your A game afterwards

Gawd, I hate to even think what your A game entails...