EKOW ESSUMAN left Josh Taylor STUNNED after scoring a career best win in Scotland!
The Engine handed Taylor a THIRD successive defeat with a 116-113, 116-112, 115-113 unanimous win that leaves the former unified champion at a major crossroads.
It was a deserved win for Essuman, who came on strong in the later rounds in what was one of the best performances of his career.
Scots hero Taylor needed a win to revive his own career after suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall – it is unclear where he now goes from here.
On the undercard, highly-rated heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma scored a BRUTAL second round KO of Mike Balogun, having dropped him THREE times inside two rounds.
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Taylor not looking like fighter of old
Josh Taylor will need to have time to reflect now.
There is no doubting he is past his best but he looked devoid of that cutting edge you need to excel in the sport.
He will always have legedary status from how he got to being the undisputed champion previously.
It may be time to call it a day for the Scot now though.
Credit: PA Odds upset as Eku seals victory
Speaking withh DAZN, Eku Essuman spoke about his impressive victory this evening:
“I’d like to say a big well done to Josh Taylor, he is a great fighter and I have respecteed him since Team GB.
“Yeh you know what it is, I remember things from a long time ago and we sparred together in Team GB.
“Obviously he is a world-class boxer, he knows how to lead with his right hand.
“It’s so amazing, thank you to the people of Glasgow, I love you.
“Time to take the engine on tour.”
Eku Essuman wins by unanimous decision
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 12)
Another fantastic round from Essuman.
Taylor just does not seem to have enough in the tank to take it to his opponent.
Essuman seems to do enough to prevent Taylor taking the round and all the pundits have him winning on the card.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 11)
Essuman has got right back into contention in this fight.
He has ground his opponent down in this fight.
He has taken another round and it may now be winner takes all in the last on the judges’ card.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 10)
Taylor catches Essuman with a good couple of hooks.
Essuman fights back and catches the Scot flush with two big hits to the face.
Taylor seems to be leaving himself open far too often.
He needs to really give it his all for these last six minutes now.
Credit: PA Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 9)
Essuman is known as ‘the engine’ for a reason.
Taylor is having to dig deep to show his opponent he has enough left in the tank.
His corner are telling him to show it in the ring.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 8)
Taylor still seems to have that ability to switch off during rounds.
The problem is Essuman notices it and comes on the front foot, taking the fight to the Scot.
The man from Nottingham fancies he can get something from this.
Credit: PA Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 7)
A clash of heads in the clinch sees a cut appear above Taylor’s eye.
While it will not be considered for any stoppage, his corner havbe some work to do make sure it is not a problem.
Taylor needs to on the front foot, he is allowing Essuman to grow into this fight.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 6)
Essuman is looking to change up his tactics.
He continues to use the body shots but now is boxing behind his jab.
Taylor fails to land anything of real note in the round.
Credit: PA Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 5)
When Taylor lands those big hooks, the crowd go wild.
He needs to back it up with combinations and not let Essuman wait for energy levels to rise.
Taylor really needs this crowd behind him to get the result his career really needs right now.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 4)
What a fight this is turning out to be.
Taylor catches Essuman with an overhand right and really rocks the Englishman.
However, Essuman comes back and catches the Scot himself and looks to follow it up to get the result.
Both boxers had some joy in that round.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 3)
Essuman starts the round and seems to have Taylor in trouble.
He catches The Scot with two good hits.
Taylor regathers himself ad fights his way into the round.
This one is really even so far, just the fight we had hoped for.
Credit: PA Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 2)
Taylor looks to have that hunger back once again.
That said, he cannot take his eye off his opponent.
Essuman has a very contrasting style and is more than capable.
He can take a punch as well, Taylor will have to work hard to break down his defences.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman (Round 1)
This crowd are supporting one man, that is for sure.
As soon as Taylor lands punches they erupt.
Whenever he gets Essuman near the ropes, he has nowhere to go.
Taylor with an impressive opening round there.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman
This is for the vacant WBO title.
Essuman makes anyone he takes to the ring with fight hard for any potential victory.
What a statement it would be for Taylor to get an early stoppage.
Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman
This is the fight everyone has waited for.
As he comes on to the Vengaboys anthem.
He needs to answers all the questions people have of him tonight.
Collins with impressive victory
Nathaniel Collins certainly got the job done there tonight.
Protecting his unbeaten record, he left McGregor wanting and went in for the kill when his opponent started to struggle.
He eventually finished it with a body shot as McGregor dropped to his knees and his evening was done.
Credit: PA Nathaniel Collins beats Lee McGregor by TKO
Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor (Round 3)
These two fighters have come through the amateur ranks together.
All that is forgotten this evening as they look to go to war.
Collins edge another round but they are both landing good punches.
Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor (Round 2)
McGregor looks to go on the attack from the off.
A lot of the big punches he is unloading are missing.
Collins comes back into it later in the round and lands combinations of big hits.
Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor (Round 1)
Collins makes the more impressive start in this 12 round fight.
His southpaw stance works so well for him and he really gets some power behind those punches.
McGregor needs to impose himself more in this one.
Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor
This one is for the vacant WBC silver title in the featherweight division.
Lee McGregor will want to impress in front of his home fans.
Collins is announced and receives boos from the crowd, Collins is still undefeated in his career to date.
Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor
Next up is a battle of the Scots.
There is so little to separate these fights.
It should be an absolute classic bout this one.
Keeping youngster grounded
George Warren has spoken about Moses Itauma being a ‘generational talent’ they need to manage well.
They would like to see someone take im more of a distance but that seems easier said than done with this British youngster.
He is already being likened to Mike Tyson due to his young age and raw knockout power.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
