Josh Taylor’s first loss in a professional boxing match made it an unforgettable night for him. However, the Scottish fighter voiced aspirations to recover despite losing the only world title he had in his possession.
“I’ve no excuses. I wasn’t at my best and the better man won on the night. I’d love to do it again but he’s the champ so the ball is in his court. I’ll most likely move up to welterweight now.” said Josh during the post-fight ring interview.
Josh Taylor vs Teofimo Lopez fight recap?
Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor squared off at 5 a.m. on Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Boxing fans eagerly anticipated the fight because it would decide who would win the WBO World Super-Lightweight Title.
Emotional moment in the corner on Saturday night as Teofimo Lopez told his father/trainer Teofimo Lopez Sr, "I love you," Lopez Sr replied, "I love you too," then kissed his son's forehead and sent him out to complete the victory over Josh Taylor. pic.twitter.com/Xj0oo25go3
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 12, 2023
Although it was one of Josh’s biggest battles, he was unable to successfully defend his 140-pound world title against Lopez. Referees scored the fight 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111 in favor of Lopez to announce him winner of the 12-round fight by unanimous decision.
Teofimo Lopez UD Josh Taylor official judges’ scorecards… pic.twitter.com/sgxZfCGGnK
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 11, 2023
Why did Taylor vacant his belts?
Taylor, with a long list of victories in his resume, was a former unified super lightweight world champion simultaneously holding the WBA, IBF, WBC, and Ring magazine titles.
Last year, Taylor gave up his IBF junior welterweight title to compete at a heavier weight. Furthermore, “The Tartan Tornado” (19-1, 13 KOs) earlier vacated his WBA and WBC titles. The Scottish boxer however continues to possess the WBO belt until tonight.
“It’s almost impossible to keep all the belts and get the fights that you want. When you’ve got all the belts, all the organizations start calling in the mandatories. So, it’s impossible to then go the route you wanna go.” Josh said.
This Josh Taylor is GONE. pic.twitter.com/r4NVquKir6
— Max Calendrillo (@MIGHTYMaxBOXING) June 11, 2023
The former undisputed super-lightweight champion wanted to move up to welterweight so that he could test himself. However, the 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist later decided to keep fighting in the super lightweight division.
Who do you think Josh Taylor should fight next to get back on the winning track? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
