Josh Taylor is making a comeback to the ring. The former undisputed super lightweight champion will face Ekow Essuman in his welterweight debut on Saturday, May 24, at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. This fight could shape Taylor's future in boxing.
Taylor dominated the super lightweight division and became the undisputed champion in 2021. His victory over Jose Ramirez put him in the spotlight. But things went downhill from there. A controversial win against Jack Catterall and a clear loss to Teofimo Lopez tarnished his reputation. He lost all his belts and has been out of the ring for over a year.
Now, at 34, Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) is trying to restart his career in a new weight class. He can't afford another defeat. This fight will test if he can compete at welterweight and if he's still a top contender.
Essuman (21-2, 8 KOs) isn't a pushover. At 36, he's had a steady career on the national circuit with recent wins over Ben Vaughan and Owen Cooper. He's known for his defense and steady pace, making him the kind of opponent who could spoil Taylor's comeback plans.
For Essuman, this is a chance to get international attention. He'll be fighting in hostile territory, but an upset win would be huge for his career.
The odds favor Taylor, but he faces some big challenges. It's his first fight as a welterweight, and he's coming off two losses in a row. He needs to prove he can still compete at the highest level.
"I'm excited to be back," Taylor said in a press conference. "I've got a point to prove, and I'm ready to show everyone I'm still one of the best fighters out there."
Essuman responded confidently: "I respect Taylor's achievements, but this is my time. I'm here to win, not just to make up the numbers."
The fight will be broadcast on DAZN in the U.S. as part of the "Land of the Brave" event. Boxing fans will be watching closely to see if Taylor can bounce back or if Essuman can pull off the upset.
