FIREWORKS can be confidently predicted at the SSE Hydro two days before bonfire night this year when Josh Taylor begins the quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy against Ryan Martin of the United States.
The eagerly-awaited WBC Silver super lightweight contest was yesterday confirmed for the state-of-the-art Glasgow arena on November 3, as part of a bumper World Boxing Super Series night of boxing which also includes the WBA world bantamweight title and WBC silver contest between Northern Ireland’s Ryan Burnett and Nonito Donnaire of the Philippines. All in all, it promises to be one of the biggest Scottish fight nights for years.
Taylor might not have a world title to his name just yet but he is the No 2 seed in his weight class, and victory in this quarter final could be the first step in a process which sees him collect the WBA and IBF titles.
The first blows in this competition will be landed in New Orleans on October 27 when Regis Prograis of the USA takes on England’s Terry Flanagan for the WBC title, with the other quarter finals see Kiryl Relikh of Belarus takes on Edouard Trayoanovsky of Russia while Ivan Baranchyk of Belars and Anthony Yigit of Sweden.
“I cannot wait for November 3rd in Glasgow,” said Taylor. “I’m delighted to be boxing in Scotland in front of my home fans. On November 3rd, the Scots will get to see the World Boxing Super Series show come to town and I will put on a winning performance to keep them singing.
“My team and I believe I can win the Muhammad Ali Trophy and both World Title belts and the first step on that journey is in Glasgow against Ryan Martin. I will be ready.”
Kalle Sauerland, the chief boxing officer at WBSS organisers Comosa AG, said: “There are some big UK boxing nights in 2018 but this doubleheader has so much depth and quality. It’s what the WBSS is all about,” said Sauerland. “Following on in the UK from Groves vs Eubank Jr in Manchester it’s great to bring the biggest show in boxing to Scotland. In addition, we will have a massive UK undercard to complete the fireworks.”
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