Boxing – Taylor confident ahead of career-defining fight

Josh Taylor is in confident mood as the clock ticks down to his career-defining fight on Saturday.

The East Lothian boxer squared-up to the media on the eve of his keynote fight with former world champion Miguel Vazquez at The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh, on Saturday.

Victory for the Scot, nicknamed the Tartan Tornado, could propel him onto the world title contention.

The Prestonpans puncher admitted it had been a long training camp but he said: “Miguel is a serious fighter and I’ve prepared thoroughly.”

The 26-year-old is in his best ever shape for the momentous bout and in which he puts his undefeated ten-fight paid career on the line as well as his coveted WBC silver super lightweight belt.

Taylor added: “I expect this belt to stay in Edinburgh on Saturday. I know this will be a tough fight, but I feel very confident.”

Guadalajara-based Vazquez, the former IBF lightweight champion who reigned for five years, said: “I have a very important fight on Saturday, and I still have the motivation to keep winning.

“I respect Josh Taylor and I come very well prepared for a tough fight. Hopefully, I can win the title on Saturday night.”

Cyclone boss Barry McGuigan, a former world champion, predicted: “It’s going to be a great night.

“I’m so excited for Saturday, and hopefully this is just the beginning of big time boxing in Edinburgh for us.”

And his son Shane, Taylor’s coach, said: “Everyone’s bouncing off each other in camp and the atmosphere is fantastic.

“Josh needs to beat guys like Miguel Vazquez on the way up and I believe he’s on the verge of becoming a superstar.”

Saturday’s main event in the bill tagged Risk v Reward is supported by an undercard stacked with talent from top to bottom.

Newly-crowned IBO super lightweight Inter-Continental title holder Jason Easton takes on the unbeaten Czech national champion Josef Zahradnik who is unbeaten in nine fights.

Prospect Chantelle Cameron, who has won her first three professional fights, aims to win her first professional title against Mexico’s Edith Ramos as the pair square-off for the vacant IBO Inter-Continental strap.

Ramos is known for her durability and Cameron will be looking to make a huge statement by producing a career-best performance en-route to claiming her first belt.

Dangerous heavyweight contender Martin Bakole puts his nine-fight winning run on the line against Belgian champion Ali Baghouz with the IBO Continental belt at stake.

New Cyclone signing Lee McGregor makes his debut with stablemate Chris Billam-Smith also featuring. He’s looking to make it three knockout victories from three professional outings.

Elsewhere, unbeaten local talents Aston Brown, Iain Trotter, Michael McGurk and Craig MacIntyre continue their development.