Josh Taylor (left) and Miguel Vazquez at the pre-fight press conference in central Edinburgh. Picture Nigel Duncan Media

This is a defining week in the career of Lothians boxer Josh Taylor.

So far, the Prestonpans southpaw has powered his way up the professional ladder with ten straight wins.

He joined the paid ranks after a glittering amateur career which included a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games.

The former junior taekwando champion only turned to boxing aged 15 under coach Terry McCormack at Lochend Boxing Club.

Now, the 26-year-old fighter nicknamed the Tartan Tornado tops the bill in Risk v Reward at The Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston.

And victory would propel the approachable Barry McGuigan protege onto the world stage.

In the opposite corner primed for bring Scotland’s undefeated WBC silver super lightweight champion down on Saturday is Miguel Vazquez.

The Mexican is one of the most experienced fighters in world boxing.

And the former IBF lightweight champion reigned for five years, defending his coveted title all over the world.

The Guadalajara-based boxer has taken care of class opponents in the past including Bredis Prescott and Mercita Gesta.

And 30-year-old Vazquez has only ever been beaten by the best such as Saul Alvarez and Timothy Taylor.

The tough-as-teak South American is here to do business. He declared through an interpreter at the pre-fight press conference that he is determined to go home with Taylor’s belt.

Everything is set for a major showdown on Saturday with doors opening at 5pm.

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