JOSH Taylor returns to the scene of the crime, the place where his boxing career derailed so controversially, in a final attempt to get his fighting life back on track.

‘The Tartan Tornado’ makes his welterweight debut against Ekow Essuman in a 10-rounder at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday, three years on from the homecoming that turned into a nightmare.

Taylor, 34, knows victory this weekend can’t erase the last three years, but it could close the chapter on a disastrous run and light the blue touchpaper on brand-new ambition.

Adding ‘two-weight world champion’ to the title of ‘undisputed world champion’ would revitalize his legacy.

TARTAN TORNADO

At the beginning of 2022, Taylor was the best boxer in Britain: undisputed champion of the world with a spot on the sweet science’s fierce pound-for-pound list.

Unbeaten in 18 fights with 13 knockouts, Taylor climbed to the 140lb summit thanks to a string of wins over the best and toughest opposition available.

Had ‘The Tartan Tornado’ retired then, fight fans would today be comparing him with Lennox Lewis and Joe Calzaghe as modern-day British boxing legends.

But he didn’t walk away in 2022, and in the three years since, he has looked a shadow of the fighter he once was.

Being awarded a split decision victory over Jack Catterall in the first ever all-British undisputed title fight turned out to be far more damaging than a loss could ever have been.

Taylor’s reputation in the aftermath was sadly dragged through the mud, but he was also advised poorly and reacted petulantly, turning a once-loyal fanbase against him.

Instead of jumping straight back in with Catterall, he surrendered the belts amidst talk of a move up in weight, only to return 14 months later in New York City.

The Scot officially lost for the first time, on points to Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden, but in reality it was back-to-back performances way below his previous levels.

Taylor finally rematched Catterall 11 months after, in May 2024, but the Mancunian finally got his hand raised, dominating the exchanges as Taylor failed to hit top gear once more.

WELTER OR BUST

Botswana-born but Nottingham-raised, Essuman is a career welterweight, and although he’s not been beyond domestic level, he’s got a terrific chin and a winning habit.

The 36-year-old, who was on the GB squad with Taylor when he qualified for the London 2012 Olympics, has had nothing handed to him.

His 21-1 pro record, the majority of which was built in leisure centres and sports halls, only includes eight KOs, but those knockouts have often arrived in his biggest fights.

He broke a couple of Chris Jenkins’ ribs, fractured Danny Ball’s jaw and climbed up off the canvas to finish Owen Cooper last summer.

A former British and Commonwealth champion at 147lb, Essuman has never fought anybody of the calibre of Josh Taylor.

But Taylor hasn’t performed to the calibre he’d been accustomed to for quite some time.

During his rise to the top of the sport, Taylor attributes where those of one of the meanest, toughest, most determined, and talented fighters this country has ever produced.

But silk sheets soften even the toughest of men.

Does he want it anymore? Does he need it anymore? Essuman is good enough to survive deep enough to pose those questions.

If Taylor struggles to find the answers once again, coming back down to this level, then one of the greatest careers in British boxing history will officially be over.

Still only 34, southpaw draw Taylor is one big performance away from adding to his legacy with a welterweight title chance.

But he’s also one flat performance away from hanging up the gloves for good.

---

Please remember to gamble responsibly. Visit our Safer Gambling section for more information, help and advice.