Former Undisputed World Champion Considers Retirement Following Third Consecutive Loss

Former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor has hinted that he may be nearing the end of his illustrious boxing career after suffering a shock defeat at the hands of Ekow Essuman. The 34-year-old Scot, who was making his first outing at welterweight, was outpointed by Essuman on all three judges’ scorecards, leaving many to question whether he has finally reached the end of the road.

Taylor, who has been plagued by inactivity in recent years, was left visibly shaken by the defeat and made a sharp exit from the ring, declining to participate in post-fight interviews. In a candid interview with BBC Scotland, the Tartan Tornado admitted that he was “gutted” by the result and acknowledged that his recent struggles were partly due to a lack of activity in the ring.

“I’m going to take a little bit of time just to think about what’s coming,” Taylor said. “I’ll just relax for a couple of weeks and not make any hasty decisions. If I really feel that I’m not performing, then I will hang them up.”

Taylor’s face told the story of a fighter who has been taking too many shots for too long, and his defeat has strengthened the case for him to retire. While few boxers get to bow out on their own terms, holding on for too long can be a costly mistake. Taylor’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with a record that includes multiple world titles and a reputation as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport.

However, Taylor’s recent form has been a cause for concern. He has failed to win any of his last three fights, with losses to Jeremia Nakathila and now Ekow Essuman, and has struggled to find his footing at welterweight. His inactivity has also been a major factor, with Taylor not having fought more than once in a calendar year since 2019.

“I’m just gutted because I know I am better than that and I know when I’m at my best I can beat anyone,” Taylor said, a sentiment that will only add to the speculation surrounding his future in the sport. Taylor’s fans will be hoping that he can turn things around and regain his former glory, but with each passing loss, the likelihood of him continuing to compete at the highest level becomes increasingly slim.

Taylor’s trainer, Shane McGuigan, has also been critical of his fighter’s recent performances, saying that he needs to get more active and focused if he wants to succeed at welterweight. “Josh needs to get back to winning ways and that means getting out there and fighting more regularly,” McGuigan said. “He can’t just take time off and expect to come back and be the same fighter. He needs to be more active and focused if he wants to compete with the best in the world.”

As Taylor takes time to consider his future, the boxing world will be watching with bated breath. Will he be able to turn things around and regain his former glory, or will he finally hang up his gloves and call it a day? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Josh Taylor’s career will be remembered as one of the greatest in boxing history, regardless of what happens next.