Sunday 19 May 2019 07:30, UK
Josh Taylor dropped Ivan Baranchyk twice on his way to winning the IBF world title and booking his spot in the World Boxing Super Series final.
'The Tartan Tornado' produced a coming-of-age performance against the tough Belarusian, earning a unanimous decision verdict via scores of 117-109 and 115-111 twice, and will now unify titles against WBA king Regis Pograis in the super-lightweight tournament decider.
After a back-and-forth opening few periods, Taylor (15-0) began to control proceedings and put down the champion twice in a pivotal sixth. From there the Scot, roared on by a fervent home crowd in the SSE Hydro, dictated the fight, overcoming a difficult final three minutes to claim world glory.
Speaking afterwards, Taylor said: "This is a dream come true, I'm over the moon.
"I took more risks than I should have and switched off a couple of times, it could have been easier. Thanks to all my fans."
Both men looked to feel each other out early, Taylor, looking to set the pace, jumping in with some sharp combinations from the southpaw stance while the compact Belarusian prodded forward, trying to rough up the local hero.
Often missing wildly, Baranchyk continued to let his lands go, digging in body shots, but the challenger was able to match him with the more accurate work.
The fifth did see the IBF king taste significant success, repeated venomous hooks landing clean, a thunderous right crashing home, as concern starting to build around the Glasgow arena, Taylor's left eye suddenly bloodied.
Taylor replied in devastating fashion in the next though. A rampant salvo to the body suddenly drawing a grimace before a huge short right rocked the onrushing Belorussian to the canvas.
Back on his feet, Baranchyk wisely looked to tuck up but Taylor tasted blood and relentlessly hammered home, a series of cuffing body shots dropping his man once more, this time the visitor saved by the bell.
'The Tartan Tornado' dominated from there, picking off his counterpart with pinpoint precision, stockpiling rounds in the bank.
Despite being clearly fatigued, 'The Beast' continued to steamroll forward and valiantly let his hands go down the stretch, finding success in the final rounds, but it proved to be of little avail against the supreme skills of Scotland's latest fighting star.
