UNDISPUTED
The scorching desert air was foreboding as Josh Taylor arrived for his weigh-in at Virgin Hotels in Paradise, Nevada. The 30-year-old Scot had already forged quite a reputation with his fists: in 17 fights since turning pro, he had chalked up 17 victories – all but five by knockout – earning him two World Title belts. The man he now faced, however, was even more formidable.
José Ramirez was an unbeaten double champion with 26 wins to his name, despite being two years younger. And he was arguably the favourite: fighting on home soil in front of an American crowd. Had Taylor bitten off more than he could chew? Did the American really hit as hard as journalists reported? Could this be the end of the road?
His critics certainly thought so, and in the packed conference hall whispers and heckles filtered through from the back rows, fuelling an already electric atmosphere. As customary, the two fighters traded insults but emotions boiled over more than usual. Afterwards, in one of the corridors, the two fighters clashed violently and a brawl nearly erupted.
“By that point there was
