Josh Taylor misplaced for the third time in his profession and has an enormous choice to make after shedding to Ekow Essuman.
Taylor struggled in his first look on the welterweight restrict after a defeat to Jack Catterall at 140 kilos.
Essuman gave the Scot all he might deal with on the Hydro and had a solution to each tactic cornerman Joe McNally tried to relay.
It wasn’t all Essuman, although, as Taylor had the higher hand by way of the primary 5 rounds. The Scot confirmed flashes of his outdated self and infrequently damage Essuman.
However the second half was all Essuaman, and the Londoner most likely gained each one of many last six.
Taylor, a former undisputed tremendous light-weight champion, was surprised on the judges’ choice. The reality is, he did removed from sufficient to get the nod. All three gave Essuman a unanimous verdict of 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113.
Karma returned for Taylor after his surprising win that was by no means over Jack Catterall on the identical venue.
After the combat, Essuman instructed DAZN, “Respect to Josh Taylor. I’ve all the time revered him since Group GB.
“I’ve gone into the lion’s den. I remembered issues from after we sparred in Group GB. Now I would like the world title.
“I beat an undisputed champion, and I desire a world title subsequent. I did what I needed to do.”
CompuBox stats agreed with the choice.
“This was a narrative of two halves. Josh Taylor had a quick begin and constructed up a lead, however Ekow Essuman got here on sturdy within the second half.
“Essuman landed 140 of 363, 22% in whole punches, and Taylor landed 125 of 493, 25%. In the long run, Taylor did maintain a 117-115 join benefit in energy punches, however loads of that was achieved early.”
Undercard outcomes
Nathaniel Collins stopped Lee McGregor within the fourth spherical to stroll away with the WBC Silver featherweight title.
Moses Itauma devastated Mike Balogun in two rounds with a sickening knockout punch that adopted two heavy knockdowns.
Aloys Jr. picked up the vacant Commonwealth cruiserweight title with a formidable third-round stoppage overcome David Jamieson.
‘Unhealthy Man’ Aston Brown dropped Reece Porter thrice to assert the vacant Scottish Space middleweight title. Brown put Porter down within the first minute with a shuddering shot.
Alex Arthur Jr. dominated the powerful Robbie Chapman to get off and operating within the light-heavyweight ranks. The referee’s rating learn 40-36.
Drew Limond moved to 4-0 with a factors win over Ezequiel Gregores.
Luke McCormack recorded his fourth professional victory when he halted Samir Cuentas in two rounds.
Wins for Luke Bibby, Reese Lynch, and Lee Welsh rounded out the cardboard.
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Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay and study extra in regards to the writer. Phil has been an skilled boxing author and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010.
