Homecoming defeat for Josh Taylor in career milestone: Taylor endures surprise loss in hometown fight.
Josh Taylor Suffers First Scottish Loss to Ekow Essuman in Stunning Decision
Josh Taylor endured a shocking defeat on home soil, losing to the resilient Ekow Essuman via unanimous decision at the OVO Arena in Glasgow. The Scottish boxer, fresh off a controversial victory over Jack Catterall in 2022, had not tasted defeat on Scottish soil before this match.
Taylor, who returned to Scotland for the first time since his controversial win over Catterall, was stepping up to the welterweight division for the first time since their rematch. He faced the rising welterweight contender Essuman in his comeback fight.
In the early rounds, Taylor showcased his improved technique at the heavier weight class and maintained control of the exchanges. However, Essuman's tenacity shone through, and he gained momentum as the fight progressed.
The underdog's persistence proved fruitful, and he landed several effective combinations in the later rounds. By the eighth, Taylor appeared to struggle under Essuman's pressure, looking drained and out of ideas.
Essuman's determined performance carried him to a well-deserved win on the judges' scorecards (116-113, 115-113, and 116-112). The defeat marks Taylor's first loss on Scottish soil in his career, having previously won ten fights in his home country.
The lingering question now is whether Taylor will take a break or reevaluate his career following this setback. Essuman, on the other hand, has paved a potential route to a world title at the welterweight division, leaving boxing fans eager to see his next move.
After the surprising defeat on home soil, Josh Taylor might contemplate a break or reassess his career path following his loss to Ekow Essuman via unanimous decision. In the world of sports, Essuman's next move in boxing could lead him towards a world title at the welterweight division, while fans eagerly anticipate the return of Taylor and his next appearance in the boxing ring. Meanwhile, if Taylor were to switch gears, he might find interest in other sports such as football, NFL, boxing's counterpart, MMA, or F1 racing.
