Josh Taylor will look to snap a two-bout losing streak when he returns to home turf for an exciting welterweight clash with Ekow Essuman this month, live on DAZN.
The Tartan Tornado, the former undisputed light-welterweight champion, has suffered defeats to Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall in his previous pair of outings.
Now, back in the ring for the first time since May last year, Taylor will hope to recover his groove at the division above, against a tricky foe with a strong record.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman.
When is Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman?
The former will be on home turf in his native Scotland as he looks to deliver a blockbuster night of entertainment in front of his passionate supporters.
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- Date: Saturday, May 17th
- Time: 7.00 pm BST / 2.00 pm ET / 11.00 am PT
- Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman main event ringwalks (approx): 10.00 pm BST / 5.00 pm ET / 2.00 pm PT
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What has been said?
“I’ve been there and done that and worn all four t-shirts at light welter. Now I’m back to being the hunter. I’m nothing at welterweight. I’m coming up to try and prove a point – that I can become a two-weight world champion – and I’ve chosen a very, very tough, and tried and tested, opponent.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to give these younger lads the chance to showcase themselves and their talent,” said Taylor.
“Respect for Josh,” said Essuman. “I’ve been pretty shoot-from-the-hip with him, and he knows that. I don’t think he’s sleeping on me in any way, shape, or form. He’s just been focusing on what he’s been focusing on. It is what it is. I perform the best in the lion’s den.”
Josh Taylor last fought 11 months and 29 days ago, while Ekow Essuman's last outing was 6 months and 22 days ago.
Taylor's last 5 fights have come over a period of 4 years, 7 months, and 28 days, which means he has been fighting approximately every 11 months and 6 days. In those fights, he fought a total of 49 rounds, meaning that they lasted 9.8 rounds on average.
Essuman's last 5 fights have come over a period of 2 years and 8 months, meaning he has been fighting on average every 6 months and 13 days. In those fights, he fought a total of 56 rounds, meaning that they lasted 11.2 rounds on average.
“I am so much looking forward to returning to Scotland with the nation’s biggest star and our latest signing, Josh Taylor, headlining and rebooting his career at welterweight, where I believe he can again do big things, but he will be up against it with Ekow Essuman in the opposite corner,” said Warren.
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