Josh Taylor’s Boxing Legacy: A Rapid Rise to Undisputed Champion Amidst Trials

Josh Taylor’s Boxing Journey

Josh Taylor’s journey through the world of boxing has been anything but conventional. At just 34 years old, he faces an arduous decision as he contemplates retirement from a career that many have described as both remarkable and frustratingly abbreviated. Unlike most British boxers who often invest years of development before contending for a world title, Taylor made history by capturing all four major belts in only 18 fights—an unprecedented feat in the current boxing landscape where claims can often be inflated and divisions numerous.

Rewriting the Script

In a sport traditionally characterized by extensive apprenticeship, where famed champions like Lennox Lewis, Alan Minter, and John Conteh fought through many undercard bouts before they earned a title shot, Taylor has rewritten the expected script. Contenders like Conteh won his title after 27 bouts, Minter after 43, and Lewis in his 23rd fight, despite already boasting Olympic credentials. By the time Taylor transitioned to professional boxing in 2015, he had already made a name for himself as a decorated amateur, which included competing at the 2012 Olympics and securing gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow—an experience that perhaps pushed him to seek a faster ascent.

Building a Legacy

Taylor wasted no time in building his legacy. He won his first major title, the Commonwealth Championship, in just his seventh fight, decisively defeating tough opponent Dave Ryan in front of a passionate Scottish crowd. Not long after, he showcased his skills against formidable challengers, soundly defeating unbeaten fighters like Ohara Davies, Viktor Postol, and Ryan Martin, all in Glasgow. This string of victories not only established him as a local hero but also positioned him on the global radar.

Pinnacle of Career

The pinnacle of his career came in 2019 when he faced Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF light-welterweight title, continuing his impressive run with a points victory over the then-undefeated champion. Following that, Taylor achieved further glory by securing a historic win against Regis Prograis, a bout renowned for its intensity and recognized as one of the best fights of the year. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected his momentum, forcing him to fight in a near-empty venue at York Hall, which was a stark departure from what could have been raucous home crowds cheering him on.

Challenges and Legacy

Despite an explosive start to his career, Taylor’s professional path took a challenging turn over the course of the pandemic. His last title defense came amid heavy restrictions, unfortunately, limiting both his exposure and a chance to fully celebrate his accomplishments with fans and family. He captured his undisputed champion title in May 2021 against Jose Ramirez but lamented the lack of support from loved ones who couldn’t witness his historic fight in person due to the sparse attendance allowed.

During this tumultuous period, Taylor faced setbacks, including losses to Jack Catterall and most recently to Ekow Essuman. An eye injury has now led him to step away from the ring, leaving behind a legacy as the first and only British boxer to hold all four belts in the modern era. Despite the challenges and the controversial nature of some of his losses, Josh Taylor’s name will remain etched in boxing history, marking an era where he shattered records and defied expectations.