Josh Taylor-Ekow Essuman has been confirmed for May 24 at the Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.

Their fight was announced previously when in February, Queensberry Promotions revealed that they had agreed promotional terms with the former undisputed junior-welterweight champion, and had been expected to take place on May 17, also in Glasgow. 

On Wednesday at the first press conference to promote their welterweight contest, details regarding the undercard were also shared – and included the revelation that Alex Arthur Jnr, the 23-year-old son of the Scottish junior-lightweight world champion, had also signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry and will make his professional debut.  

Taylor, who while an undefeated junior welterweight targeted moving up to 147lbs to fight Terence Crawford, will be fighting at welterweight for the first time, and he said: “I’ve been there and done that and worn all the 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. 

“He’s a great fighter. He’s very tough; very strong. He gives everybody a tough night, so I’m expecting a tough night, and it’s given me that fire in my belly and a little bit of the fear factor, which is what I need.

“I was teammates with him on Team GB, and we did a few rounds a few years ago, but even then he was always tough and strong, so I know what he brings to the table. I know I’ve got my hands full. I’m fully up for this fight and the challenges ahead.”

Taylor, 34 and from nearby Edinburgh, last fought in his home country in 2022, when he was awarded the most controversial of decisions over Jack Catterall on the occasion of his last fight as the undisputed champion at 140lbs.

There followed the bitterest of rivalries with Catterall, who he lost to in their rematch in May 2024. By comparison, he and Essuman, 34, smiled at each other and appeared friendly when they faced off at the conclusion of Wednesday’s press conference.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to give these younger lads the chance to showcase themselves and their talent,” said Taylor. “In Scotland we’re starved for shows and boxing up here. It was Alex Arthur [Snr], then it was Ricky Burns, and Scott Harrison, and now myself carrying it. It’s good to have an opportunity to have a show here.” 

“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.”

By the time Taylor and Essuman make their way to the ring Nathaniel Collins and Lee McGregor will have contested an all-Scottish featherweight fight.

The Scottish cruiserweight David Jamieson fights Aloys Jnr, there is another all-Scottish contest at middleweight between Aston Brown and Reece Porter, and a junior-middleweight date for Drew Limond – the 18-year-old son of Willie Limond – who has also recently signed for Queensberry. 

The British Olympian Luke McCormack will fight at junior welterweight against an opponent to be confirmed; Scottish lightweight Luke Bibby is also awaiting an opponent. The junior welterweight Lee Welsh, the junior featherweight Marcus Sutherland, and the light heavyweight Sean Lazzerini – all three are Scottish – will also fight against so-far unconfirmed opponents.