Carl Frampton vs Scott Quigg: Josh Taylor fights on the undercard

Josh Taylor is a super-lightweight tipped for greatness and is preparing to make his Sky Sports Box Office bow on February 27, so we caught up with the Commonwealth Games gold medallist to learn more...

Tell us a bit about your background

I'm from Edinburgh on the east coast. Just outside a little town called Prestonpans. I grew up boxing there.

Hibs or Hearts?

The green side. Hibs, of course!

Who gave you that black eye?

I was doing a little bit of what was meant to be technical sparring with Conrad Cummings last night, but he obviously caught me with a good shot.

How did you get in to boxing?

I went in to a sports centre in Edinburgh called Meadowbanks, where my Mum works, when I was about 15. I used to love Alex Arthur as a kid. He was my idol when I was growing up and I used to watch him on the TV.

My mum told me he trained at Meadowbank, so I went along after school one day. Then I'd go down there in the holidays and watch him train. Then I went to the boxing class and that was it, I was hooked after one session.

Were you handy in the playground before that or was it all stored up for discovering boxing?

I was never a troublemaker or anything. I never walked away from a fight and I never started one either. I always liked a bit of fighting, and stuff like that, so when I started boxing, I loved it.

What's your trademark shot?

I'd say probably my right hook or my straight left, as a southpaw.

Any weaknesses you're working on?

I'm working on settling in to the professional game and settling down a bit instead of the sprint of the three threes in the amateurs. Punching with more intention, keeping the hands up and the chin down with the small gloves on. Bits and bobs.

Your record suggests you've been doing pretty well, power-wise. Do you feel you're a puncher?

I wouldn't say I'm a massive puncher but I say if I hit you correctly and properly, I will hurt you. It's more speed and timing. The ones that opponents don't see coming are the ones that hurt.

You won your Commonwealth gold at light-welterweight. Where's your immediate future?

I might step up to welterweight later on but right now, I'm making light-welterweight easily. My first three fights I've weighed in at 142lbs, which is only just over the weight limit. I'm making it comfortably so I can see myself fighting for British and European titles at light-welterweight.

What are your goals for this year?

Hopefully by the end of this year, I'll be in contention for British and Commonwealth titles, but I'll leave that to my team, stay in the gym and just focus on my boxing.

Which fighters inspire you in that division?

The best in the world is Terence Crawford. That's miles down the line though because I'm just starting out. My personal goal is to become world champion but like I said, I'll just focus on bettering myself every day.

Who's your best friend in boxing?

Aston Browne. My new best friend is my stable-mate Conrad Cummings, who I have some great laughs with.

Worst habit?

Probably swearing at inappropriate moments. I've got plenty of examples but it's probably best to keep those off.

Dream girlfriend?

I'm spoken for. I've got a great girlfriend back at home.

If you could fight anyone in the world, boxer or not, who would you fight?

Mr T. It'd be funny. It wouldn't be a Hearts player because I'm not much of a football fan any more. Hibs aren't very good so I've given up. We've not won the Scottish Cup in over 110 years. Possibly this year but we say that every year so I don't build up hopes.

Josh Taylor v Lyes Chaibi on Carl Frampton vs Scott Quigg, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office on February 27, is available to order via Sky remote and online