Josh Taylor wants to reignite his career at welterweight tonight in a crucial fight against Ekow Essuman in the main event at the SSE Arena in Glasgow, Scotland. Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs) comes into the battle with enormous pressure after two straight defeats at 140. He looked horrible in losses to Jack Catterall and Teofimo Lopez.
Tonight’s main card will be shown live on DAZN at 2:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. The approximate time for ring walks is 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT.
Taylor vs. Essuman Fight
‘The Tartan Tornado’ Taylor wants to show fans he’s not washed up at 34. His goal in moving up to welterweight is to become a two-division world champion and be involved in big fights in the division. He’s got to look great tonight against Essuman (21-1, 8 KOs) to show the boxing world that he’s not finished as a fighter. Taylor is ranked #11 WBC and #11 WBO at welterweight.
Today’s Card
Josh Taylor vs. Ekow Essuman
Nathaniel Collins vs. Lee McGregor
Moses Itauma vs. Mike Balogun
Aloys Junior vs. Davie Jamieson
Luke McCormack vs. Samir Cuentas
Alex Arthur Jr. vs. Robbie Chapman
Drew Limond vs. Ezequiel Gregorez
With Taylor’s advanced age, he has no choice but to begin taking on the most dangerous available contenders immediately and fight frequently if he’s to get a world title shot. He can’t afford to stick to his once-a-year schedule, and he’ll age out if he continues fighting fringe-level welterweights like Essuman.
For Essuman, 36, this is a big opportunity to insert himself into the welterweight landscape to get a big fight before his career ends. It could open the door for fights against other contenders if he can beat Taylor. Ekow won’t get a title shot from a win over Taylor, but he could get fights against contenders like Karen Chukhadzhian or Lewis Crocker.
Taylor’s Path Forward
“It’s a dangerous fight. Ekow isn’t the most dangerous guy in the world, but he can fight, and he’s really fit, tough, and dogged,” said commentator Carl Frampton to DAZN Boxing, talking about what Josh Taylor is up against tonight, fighting Ekow Essuman.
“Dipping your toes for the first time at welterweight, you probably could have excused Josh for taking an easier fight.”
Last Updated on 05/24/2025
