Josh Taylor retires aged 34 as undisputed Scottish boxing hero told by doctors his career is over
Legendary Scottish boxer Josh Taylor has called time on his illustrious boxing career after doctors urged him to retire due to a serious eye injury.
The Tartan Tornado thrilled fans during his 10-year career as he became the country's first ever undisputed champion after he unified the light welterweight division with stunning wins over Regis Prograis and Jose Ramirez.
But Taylor's career has been blighted by setbacks in recent times as he controversially earned the nod over English rival Jack Catterall in 2022 before losing to Teofimo Lopez and Catterall in consecutive fights.
And the former Commonwealth Games 2014 Gold medalist lost to unheralded Ekow Essuman in May before doctors stepped in to urge him to walk away.
Taylor, in an emotional statement, said: "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.
"As has been published 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 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.
"To Top Rank (Bob, Carl, Brad, Jeremy and Mel T), you helped turn my dreams into a reality in becoming undisputed world champion and boxing me in Vegas and MSG.
"More recently, I want to thank Frank and George Warren at Queensberry for giving me the opportunity to headline at the Hydro once more in front of the fans that I love.
"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.
"A massive thank you to all of my sponsors over the years, and in particular, Ross at Seconds Out Fight Store who's supported me from the very start when I competed at the Commonwealth Games.
"To my lawyer, Tom Grant, aka Jerry Maguire, aka Big Tam, thank you for navigating this mad sport with me and always having my back. I only wish we'd met 10 years earlier.
"To my coaches over the years - Terry McCormack, Shane McGuigan, Ben Davison, and most recently Joe McNally - thank you for all the time, energy, and guidance you've invested in me, taking me to the very heights of the sport.
"And finally, my family and my beautiful wife, Danielle, who's been by my side every step of the way. Words will never do justice to what your unwavering love and support means to me.
"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. Josh Taylor, Undisputed Champion of the World."
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