JOSH TAYLOR has shocked the boxing world by announcing his retirement from the sport.
The 34-year old former undisputed world champion has revealed the bombshell news, saying it’s down to doctor’s orders.
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Taylor scaled to the very top of the boxing landscape, becoming an undisputed light-welterweight champion.
He held the WBA, IBF, WBC, WBO and Ring magazine titles and was also a gold medallist at the Commonwealth Games.
The Prestonpans native became the first undisputed world champion from Britain in the sport‘s four-belt era.
A controversial win over Jack Catterall in Glasgow in February 2022 saw Taylor move to 19-0 in his professional career.
But he lost his last three fights, with May’s unanimous decision defeat to Ekow Essuman at the Hydro now going down as his final bout.
Taylor took to social media to confirm the shock news of his retirement, revealing he ultimately has no choice to do so or risk losing his sight.
He underwent eye surgery in February last year and has now been told that continuing to box would risk his eyesight.
Taylor 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.
“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.”
Taylor will go down as one of Scotland’s greatest boxers of all time.
He won Commonwealth gold at Glasgow 2014 before turning pro and finding incredible success.
By his 18th professional fight, Taylor was an undisputed world champion.
That triumph over Jose Ramirez in May 2021 saw Taylor take centre stage in Las Vegas.
He would subsequently retain the titles back in Scotland in front of a home crowd against Jack Catterall in a highly-contested split decision victory.
Injuries began to hamper Taylor in the aftermath of that bout and he ended up vacating three of the four belts he held.
He returned to the ring against Teofimo Lopez in New York in June 2023 where he suffered the first professional loss of his career.
That defeat to the American saw him lose the WBO light-welterweight title.
Last year, Taylor lost a rematch to Catterall in Leeds before returning to the ring in May this year against Essuman.
But that didn’t go his way either and Taylor’s record slipped to 19-3.
Now, just a couple of months on, he’s retired.
Continuing his emotional post, Taylor paid tribute to all those who have supported him during his storied career.
He added: “First and foremost, I cannot thank you – the fans – enough.
“You always gave me your all, spending your hard earned money to come and watch me fight.
“Especially the thousands that travelled to watch me box at Madison Square Garden.
“Your support has always meant the world to me and I have never taken it for granted.
Josh Taylor’s career
Retires with 19-3 professional record
First undisputed champion from UK in four-belt era
Simultaneously held WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF light-welterweight titles, as well as the Ring magazine title
Won gold at 2014 Commonwealth Games having won silver four years previously
Defeated Jose Ramirez in 2021 to become undisputed champion – only the second Scottish undisputed champion in history
Won first 19 bouts of pro career before losing his last three fights
Has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 34
“Top Top Rank (Bob, Carl, Brad, Jeremy and Mel T), you helped turn my dreams into a reality in becoming undisputed world champion and boxing me in Vegas and MSG.
“More recently, I wanted to thank Frank and George Warren and Queensberry for giving me the opportunity to headline at the Hydro once more in front of the fans that I love.
“I know that British boxing, and Scottish boxing in particular, is an exciting place with the focus that you have on bringing through th next generation of world champions.
“To my coaches over the years, Terry McCormack, Shane McGuigan, Ben Davison and most recently Joe McNally – thank you for all the time, energy and guidance you’ve investedin me, taking me to the very heights (sic) of the sport.
“And finally, my family and my beautiful wife Danielle, who’s been by my side every step of the way.
“Words will never do justice to what your unwavering love and support means to me.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“It’s now time for me to reflect on a 1 in 70 million career and look forward to what’s coming next.
“Thank you once again and God bless.”
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