When undefeated two-belt champions Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez meet on May 22 on ESPN, an undisputed Junior Welterweight champion will be crowned for only the second time in the modern era.
And as the fight nears closer, it’s safe to say that Taylor, a native of Scotland, is confident it’ll be him leaving the ring with four world titles in his possession.
“I really do believe this is the perfect time for me to make history and cement my legacy in the history books,” Taylor recently told IFL TV (via BoxingScene.com). “I’m going to win this fight 100%, and America is getting ready to take notice of Josh Taylor.”
At 30 years old, Taylor, who currently holds the IBF and WBA 140-pound titles, has achieved a fair amount of success throughout his career thus far, beating notable names like former champions Viktor Postol, Ivan Baranchyk, and Regis Prograis.
Most recently, he easily defeated overmatched mandatory challenger Apinun Khongsong this past September in England.
Against the 28-year-old Ramirez, however, Taylor will likely face the toughest test of his professional career. The undefeated Mexican-American currently holds the WBC and WBO 140-pound titles and is coming off victories over Jose Zepeda and former champions Maurice Hooker and Postol.
While Taylor doesn’t seem to be overlooking the task at hand, he does appear to have put a focus on enjoying the moment rather than overthinking what lies ahead.
“You can ask any fighter, and they’ll all tell you that they’d love to fight in America,” Taylor said. “I’ve worked hard for this opportunity and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.
“I’m not going to put any pressure on myself. I’ve achieved my goal of becoming a world champion. Everything else is a bonus if it happens.”
As of now, the bout between Taylor and Ramirez stands as arguably the best bout currently scheduled to take place in 2021. In this era of boxing where the best don’t always fight the best, it’s not often that a division sees an undisputed champion crowned.
On May 22, however, one fighter will be able to lay claim as the world’s best 140 pounder and Taylor is ready to prove himself worthy of that label.
“To Ramirez, be ready, train hard, and may the best man win. I wish him all the best. I will see you on May 22nd. To my fans, hopefully, I can provide you with a victory.”
