TAYLOR VS MARTIN - A BATTLE OF THE UNDEFEATED CONTENDERS!
The highly anticipated clash between Josh Taylor (13-0 11KO) and Ryan Martin (22-0 12KO) heads up a stacked World Boxing Super Series card this weekend at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena. The unbeaten Super Lightweights face off in the last of the quarter final bouts and the winner will meet Ivan Baranchyk (19-0 12KO) who secured a victory over Anthony Yigit (21-1-1 7KO) last weekend in New Orleans after Yigit suffered an horrendous eye injury.
It has been a successful journey in the professional ranks so far for the “The Tartan Tornado” with the former Team GB standout adapting to the professional demands quickly under the watchful eye of trainer, Shane McGuigan. Taylor, 27, dropped former world title holder Victor Postol (29-2 12KO) on his way to a unanimous victory last time out in what was viewed as his biggest career test to date. Not only did Edinburgh born Taylor display impressive boxing ability, he also took some clean shots from Postol and was unfazed. Taylor ticked many boxes on that night in June and will no doubt enter the ring Saturday as a more mature fighter.
Martin, 25, also has an expert corner team headed up world renowned trainer, Abel Sanchez. Sanchez has publicly stated his high expectations for the Chattanooga born super lightweight and the two have been tucked away in the mountains of Big Bear, California preparing meticulously.
“Blue Chip” has clocked up 9 more fights than Taylor in his time as professional but notably he has not fought the same level of opposition as his Scottish counterpart. The one notable win on his record is Amir Khan conqueror Bredis Prescott but he had only won one 1 of his previous 5 bouts before facing Martin.
Based on both fighter’s records, Taylor carries more power. Only two of his opponents have heard the final bell and the Scot tends to start fast with his eye catching combinations overwhelming many of his previous opponents. This power could play a factor, especially with Martin spending most of his career to date at lightweight (135lb). “Blue Chip” has eluded to the fact he has more professional experience in the build-up and he will be hoping to navigate his way through the fight using his experience gained since turning over in 2013, however it is worth noting Taylor is the man who has completed the 12 round distance.
This fight throws up plenty of variables but one thing is guaranteed, fans will be treated to two outstanding technical boxers attempting to out think each other from the first minute of this fight. A common theme throughout the World Boxing Super Series to this point has been fighters taking a cautious approach at the quarter final stage in order to progress with limited damage and without running the risk of injury and this could well be the case again.
Taylor is high on confidence at the moment and in many people’s opinion is one of the best prospects in the UK. Similarly, Martin has built a solid reputation for himself in the United States with many over the pond believing he is the man to derail Taylor and progress to the semi-finals of this prestigious competition.
One thing is for sure, on Saturday night the World Boxing Super Series will be welcomed with open arms to the fighting city of Glasgow. The Scottish faithful certainly know how to create an atmosphere and the whole country of Scotland is looking for its next Boxing hero with three weight world champion Ricky Burns in the twilight of his career. “The Tartan Tornado” is the heir to the throne, he won his Commonwealth gold medal at the same arena he graces on Saturday and he will be hoping a victory can set up some mega fights for Scotland in 2019.