In Edinburgh, on Saturday night, the exciting Josh Taylor was making a defence of his WBC super-lightweight title.
Cheered on by a partisan crowd, Taylor was matched against the former world title holder Miguel Vazquez, who held the IBF lightweight title for more than four years.
In what was anticipated as his hardest fight so far in his career, against a tough Mexican who had never been stopped in his career, Taylor issued a statement of intent.
In a bruising encounter that saw Taylor overcome the handicap of a cut-eye, a body shot in the ninth-round saw Vazquez hit the canvas and get counted out. Amidst jubilant scenes.
The right-hook to the body was a devastating blow and one that took Taylors record to 11-0 with 10 0f those wins coming by way of knockout.
Talking about the victory, Taylor had this to say,
?The hardest test of my career.
‘It was really tough, definitely the hardest test of my career so far.
‘People were saying he was not a puncher, but he was heavier-handed than what people were giving him credit for.
‘I was getting a wee bit frustrated with myself, but once I relaxed and stopped trying too hard I started to get the shots off and got him out of there.
‘So I am really happy. That is the first time he has ever been stopped to that is a massive statement for me to make in the 140 scene.’
Managed by Barry McGuigan and trained by his son Shane, Taylor is fast approaching the stage whereby, despite having had only 11 fights, he could move on to a world title challenge.
Taylor KO’s Vazquez in 9 Rounds
