By Terence Dooley

The McGuigans, promoter Barry and trainer Shane, believe that their man Josh Taylor (13-0, 11 KOs) can not only win the forthcoming Second Series of the WBSS but they also feel that the tournament will turn the 27-year-old into a huge boxing star. 

WBA holder Kiryl Relikh, Anthony Yigit, and Ivan Baranchyk have also joined the tournament, with Eduard Troyanosvky and the WBC’s interim-champion Regis Prograis agreeing to come on board.

McGuigan believes that home advantage could be a key factor and has told the Daily Record and Sunday Mail that the WBSS organisers, led by Kalle Sauerland, could be keen to have a few big fight nights up in Scotland.

"Josh could win,” said McGuigan.  “He would also have a good chance to fight at home in what is a straight knockout involving the best super-lightweights in the world.  This is a better opportunity for Josh and commercially it's very good as well.”

He added: “Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, who are the brains behind the World Boxing Super Series, know how popular Josh is in Scotland, in Edinburgh and Glasgow.  I'm sure they are already talking about coming to Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Shane feels that Taylor learned a lot from his recent win over Viktor Postol.  The fight appeared closer than the 117-110, 118-110, and 119-108 scorecards turned in by Fernando Barbosa, Victor Loughlin, and Eddie Pappoe respectively, and McGuigan has told the East Lothian Courier that the contest was a great learning experience.

“He has learned against a guy who's dropped and stopped the best and has a fantastic pedigree,” he said.  “Postol nicked a few rounds early on but Josh came on so strong towards the end.  Josh still looked a bit reckless at times and he was trying to force the fight a bit at times but these are things that he'll learn from.  His next step in that learning curve will be a world title fight.” 

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