WBA, IBF junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor must remain focused, according to head trainer Ben Davison, on the upcoming clash with mandatory challenger Apinun Khongsong of Thailand.

The fight takes place on the 26th of September.

A victory would send Taylor in the direction of a 2021 showdown with WBC, WBO champion Jose Ramirez.

When Taylor steps into the ring against Khongsong, it will be eleven months since his last outing, a big decision win over Regis Prograis in the final bout of the World Boxing Super Series tournament.

Davison, who took over as head trainer when Taylor parted with Shane McGuigan, realizes the pressure at hand.

"It always does make it that little bit tougher knowing there's a big fight round the corner," Davison told BBC Scotland.

"I've had it before when big fights are looming. As much as you do everything to make sure the fighter's mind is on the job, sometimes the mind can stray a little bit towards what's to come. But it's important we remain focused, particularly with the fight being behind closed doors.

"Going into a fight behind closed doors when you're used to selling out arenas with a big crowd behind you, and I know all of Scotland gets behind Josh, that can have an impact. He can't be walking in there thinking it's a comfortable spar. This is a world title fight and something Apinun Khongsong will have worked for his whole life. It's important that Josh has his mind on his job.

"I couldn't put a ceiling on Josh's potential. I don't know where that ceiling is because there is so much that can be added to his game. He's had just 16 fights and he's managed to achieve what he's achieved. With time, with experience, more development, there is no ceiling to his potential. He's a phenomenal fighter, physically he's a fantastic athlete, he's dedicated to the sport and he's got a great mental attitude.

"He applies himself, he sets himself new goals. He achieved a world title in his 15th fight then set the goal of being unified champion. He becomes unified champion, then sets a new goal to become undisputed. Then he'll set the goal of becoming a two-weight world champion. That's a great mindset to have."