Unified world champion Josh Taylor feels like he is making a fresh start in his career this weekend – and has promised a knockout win over Apinun Khongsong.
Undefeated Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs) defends his WBA and IBF super-lightweight titles against fellow unbeaten fighter Khongsong (16-0, 13 KOs) on Saturday, live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and BT Sport in association with Queensberry Promotions.
It will be Taylor’s first fight since signing with MTK Global and Top Rank and teaming up with new trainer Ben Davison, and he’s excited to show the world what he can do.
Taylor said: “You will see on Saturday what changes I have made working with Ben (Davison) and I am not going to give away what we have been working on. It is good and we’ve been working on a lot of things and this is a nice start to a whole new book. This is the start of it, it is going to be better than the last one and I can’t wait to get going on Saturday.
“Khongsong is standing in the way of where I want to go so I need to get rid of him. This is his introduction to world boxing and I am going to make it a painful one for him. He doesn’t belong at this level and I am a couple of levels above him. I am going to go in there and knock him out on Saturday.
“I have seen a lot I can exploit. He is a very good fighter and very strong, punches with both hands with power, but it is not enough to beat me. I am just really looking forward to getting in there on Saturday and putting on a strong performance.
“I don’t think not having a crowd will affect my performance at all. I’ve been practicing in the gym with no music, no noise and nobody speaking, so we have been replicating what the experience will be like. I’m looking forward to getting in there on Saturday and I have kept fit and in shape throughout the year. I can’t wait to put on a strong performance.”
Elsewhere on Saturday’s card, former world champion Charlie Edwards returns as he takes on Kyle Williams, Davey Oliver Joyce puts his WBO European super-bantamweight title on the line against Ionut Baluta, and Jordan Flynn goes up against Jamie Quinn.
ADD COMMENT