RETIRED Scottish boxing champ Josh Taylor has revealed that he plans to return to his first love – motorsport – after hanging up his gloves.
The 34-year-old from Prestonpans wrote his name into Scottish sporting folkore when he unified the belts at light welterweight by beating Jose Ramirez in 2021.
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But he called time on his boxing career on doctor’s orders only last week, revealing he risked losing his sight were he to continue in the ring.
He underwent eye surgery in February last year – with May’s unanimous decision defeat to Ekow Essuman at the Hydro now going down as his final bout.
But it’s a little known fact that Taylor’s first love, long before he entered into the ring, was motor bike racing.
His dad Jamie used to race at Scottish Championship level at Knockhill, and there’s pictures of young Josh at that famous Fife circuit as a newborn.
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It’s long been an ambition of his to get back out there on the track once his boxing days are over – and we might not have to wait too long to see him getting his ‘adrenaline’ fix after he revealed that his ‘new track toy’ was ready.
Sharing the image of his pride and joy, a blue Yamaha bike, he wrote on X: “That’s the wee track toy all finally ready to rock & Roll.
“No got boxing to hold me back anymore.
“Cannae wait to get a shot on it.”
This is no mere ambition – urged by a follower on Instagram to “come racing” rather than just simply a track day at a circuit, Taylor replied: “I intend to, but I need to get some experience on the track first.”
Scottish racer Wayne Fordyce got involved in the comments too, saying “Hope to see you do a couple rounds of the KMSC – [the Knockhill Motor Sport Club Scottish Championships] next year.”
He replied: “I intend to, but need to get some experience on the track first.”
The Scot lifted the lid on his love of motor racing back in 2020, saying: “I still have a motorbike but it’s three years since I’ve been out on it. I can’t risk falling off.
“The last time I went on it, I was going down the road with my friend and we had a couple of close calls with car drivers not paying attention. After that I put the bike away. I thought it’s not worth risking my career for.
“But when the day comes when I hang up my boxing gloves, I’ll be straight back out on the bike. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll get to meet Valentino Rossi and he can give me some pointers.”
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Taylor, who goes down as one of Scotland‘s top boxers – and top sportsmen – of all time, announced his retirement like this.
He said: “Right folks, this isn’t an easy post for me to write, but on the advice of my doctors, it’s sadly a necessary one.
As has been publicised before, I’ve had a recurring issue with my eye that unfortunately means I now have to call time on my career or risk losing my eyesight.
“Whilst the fighter in me always wants to box on, I know I have to listen to the medical professionals and save me from myself.
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“It is certainly not the way I wanted to bow out but I have to listen to the doctors and those around me.
“I am just a kid from the Pans who scaled the very top of the sport but I could not have done it without those who have supported me through thick and thin.”
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