Former undisputed 140lbs champion Josh Taylor has had to retire from the sport with an eye injury.
The Scot, who lost his final bout the Ekow Essuman in Glasgow earlier in the year, was a decorated amateur, a Commonwealth champion and a 2012 Olympian, and the 34-year-old walks away with a 19-3 (13 KOs) record, having been defeated in his final three bouts.
After a contentious decision victory over Jack Catterall, Taylor – who suffered with multiple injuries in his final years as a pro – lost his lineal 140lbs title in New York to Teofimo Lopez, lost a rematch to Catterall and then returned only to be outworked by Essuman.
But before that he went on a glorious run, winning everything, unifying, and claiming the World Boxing Super Series and The Ring title at junior weltereight.
Taylor took the undefeated records of Ohara Davies, Ryan Martin, Ivan Baranchyk, Apinun Khongsong, Regis Prograis, Jose Ramirez, and Catterall.
There were also wins over Miguel Vazquez and Viktor Postol, and the wild Prograis fight was, for many, the 2019 Fight of the Year.
In a social media statement, Taylor thanked those involved with his career at Top Rank and, latterly, Queensberry Promotions and his coaches, including Terry McCormack, Shane McGuigan, Ben Davison and Joe McNally. He also thanked his wife, Danielle.
“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,” Taylor wrote. “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 [Prestonpans] 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... 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…
“I know that British boxing, and Scottish boxing in particular, is in an exciting place with the focus that you have on bringing through the next generation of world champions… 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.”
