JOSH TAYLOR is looking to become Scotland’s first undisputed world champion since 1971 when he faces Jose Carlos Ramirez at the weekend.
The 30-year-old puts his super-lightweight IBF and WBA straps on the line in Las Vegas where is looking to win the WBC and WBO straps held by his American rival.
Should Taylor emerge victorious in Sin City, he would become Scotland’s second undisputed champion, and first in 50 years.
Ken Buchanan created history in 1971 when he beat Ruben Navarro for the WBA and WBC lightweight tiles, and Taylor is looking to follow in his footsteps.
But he knows he will have to be at his best if he wishes to inflict a first professional defeat for Ramirez on Saturday night.
Here SunSport breaks down how the two compare ahead of the blockbuster bout.
Ramirez has age on his side as he is two years younger than Taylor, and he also is more experienced in the paid ranks having made his debut three years before the Tartan Tornado.
Unbeaten JCR, 28, has been involved in 26 fights – nine more than Taylor – with the California native winning all of his contests.
He has stopped 17 of his opponents before the final bell, thought he has recorded just one knockout win from his last five bouts.
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Taylor boasts a higher KO percentage of 76 per cent having blasted away 13 out of his 17 opponents, with three out of his last five fights going the distance.
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And Taylor – who is preparing to face an unbeaten boxer for the fifth time in a row – goes into his meeting with Ramirez equal in height.
Both men stand at 5ft 10in, but it is Ramirez who has the reach advantage in their contest.
Taylor has already set his sights on facing his idol Manny Pacquiao providing he comes out on top at the weekend.
Speaking last month, the Hibernian fan stated that his camp couldn’t have went better as he stated he will be too good for Ramirez.
He said: “I’m flying – I’m way ahead of schedule. My weight is bang on target and I’m hitting PBs in the gym.
“I’m absolutely smashing the numbers and I just can’t wait to get over there now.
“It’s been a long 12-week camp and I just want to get over to the sunshine and get down to work.
“I’ve done all my homework on Ramiriz. He doesn’t really do anything in his fights.
“But I’ll tell you after the fight on May 22 if there’s anything that surprises me.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
