Josh Taylor praises perfect game plan after landing Commonwealth title
Josh Taylor claimed his fight plan worked to perfection after he captured the Commonwealth super lightweight belt with a fifth-round stoppage of Dave Ryan at Meadowbank Arena on Friday night.
Josh Taylor claimed his fight plan worked to perfection after he captured the Commonwealth super lightweight belt with a fifth-round stoppage of Dave Ryan at Meadowbank Arena on Friday night.
After flooring the more experienced man from Derby in round three with a powerful body shot, the 25-year-old former Commonwealth Games gold medallist from Prestonpans finished it off in the fifth to capture his first senior title.
"The plan was to start slow with single shots, get my jab going and hit him to the body early to slow him down and take his strength away," Taylor said.
"I knew he was strong, that was the plan and it worked perfectly.
"I don't feel I took any big shots, I covered up and wanted to see what power he had but I don't think I was in any danger at all.
"I could see all his shots coming after the first round, I knew I was going to be able to get my timing with the jabs off, my one-twos off and the game plan worked perfectly.
"It couldn't have gone any better."
The unbeaten Taylor had not gone more than two rounds in his previous six contests.
However, in what was an impressive performance he seemed to grow in confidence with each passing round and he left the venue delighted with his belt and a significant step forward in his professional career.
He said: "It feels brilliant, I'm on cloud nine. It's only my seventh fight and two years on from Commonwealth Games gold.
"I was expected to win that and Barry was hyping it up; I felt a wee bit of pressure but I soaked it all in and loved every minute it and got the result. I knew I could do it.
"It was good to finally get that belt round my waist."
A delighted Taylor said: "I feel brilliant. I am on cloud nine. I don't think it has sunk in yet.
"It is only my seventh fight, I am only two years in from the Commonwealth gold medal so I feel brilliant.
"I was expected to win that and everyone was wanting me to win it and Barry was hyping it up so I felt a wee bit of pressure.
"But I just soaked it in and enjoyed every minute and got the result.
"I knew I could do it, but it is just good to finally get it done and get the belt round my waist."