Josh Taylor becomes a world champion for the first time and advances to the WBSS finals!
In what turned out to be a highly entertaining fight at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, Josh Taylor had his rough moments for show. However, he did more than enough to defeat Ivan Baranchyk by unanimous decision (117-109, 115-111, 115-111).
Taylor is now the IBF Super Lightweight champion and advances to the WBSS Super Lightweight tournament final.
The Breakdown
Taylor started the fight doing and excellent job of using his footwork. He effectively stayed away from Baranchky’s power-shots and also created angles to land shots. As is his custom, Baranchyk came forward intent on landing big shots.
In the fourth, Taylor seemed to get the attention of Baranchyk with body-shots. In doing so he showed the ability to stand on the inside and go toe-to-toe with the hard-charging Baranchyk.
Taylor was stunned in the fifth from a right uppercut. The Scottish fighter was also showing facial damage with a cut over his left eye.
Signs of a Turn
After finding his bearing from a rough fifth round, Taylor exploded with power shots towards the end of the sixth round. With 45 seconds to go in the round, Baranchyk went down from a right hook. With only seconds to go in the round, Taylor put him down for a second time.
Luckily for Baranchyk, the bell may have saved him from being a stoppage.
The defending IBF champion, like a warrior and to his credit, came back fighting hard in rounds 7, 8, 9. In the tenth round Baranchyk seemed to slow down slightly. Taylor took this opportunity to force the champion to back up for the first time.
Sensing he was behind on the cards, Baranchyk went all out during the final two rounds. With the crowd on its feet, Taylor stood right there and fought with Baranchyk at times.
At the final bell, the Glasgow crowd rose to its feet roaring in approval of what they witnessed from the performance of their Scottish charge, Josh Taylor.
After the fight, WBA Super Lightweight champion Regis Prograis joined the ring. The two WBSS Super Lightweight finalists kept it respectful, each fighter said they’re amped up at the opportunity to face one another.
The upcoming title match between Taylor and Prograis looks to be one of the better fights to happen in 2019, as each fighter is entering their prime.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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