The former undisputed super-lightweight champion moved up to welterweight to face Ekow Essuman. Taylor started strong, showing flashes of the form that made him Britain's first and only male undisputed world champion in the four-belt era. But as the fight wore on, his output dropped, and Essuman took control.
Essuman, known as "The Engine," lived up to his nickname. He outworked and outlanded Taylor in the later rounds. The judges scored it 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113, all in Essuman's favor.
After the decision, Taylor quickly left the ring. He later apologized to his fans in an interview with IFL TV.
"The support I've received and have had in the last ten years, the atmosphere they create in The Hydro, it means the world to me. The support they give me, how they make me feel when I accomplish things … I just want to take the opportunity to apologise for doing that. I didn't want to say anything live on TV that I would maybe end up regretting."
Taylor admitted the fight was close but didn't expect such a wide margin on the scorecards.
"I thought halfway through the fight I was up and then the last couple of rounds got tight. I thought I could've maybe sealed the deal with the last round, but he ended up winning the last round. I thought it could be close or maybe he's got it, but I didn't think it could be that bloody much with the points … Congratulations to Ekow. Fought a great fight … Sorry again everybody for looking like a spoiled brat, it's not a good look."
Despite the loss, the 34-year-old Taylor isn't ready to retire. He's even talking about a rematch with Essuman.
"I would love to do it again, get it back, but he's well entitled to go and do other things … I would love to get it done again, have another good fight. Cause it was a good fight … Thank you to everybody for the support. I'll be back."
Essuman, 36, came into the fight as a big underdog. His win over Taylor marks a major upset and could lead to bigger opportunities in the welterweight division.