Watch Josh Taylor vs Ivan Baranchyk and Naoya Inoue vs Emmanuel Rodriguez on Sky Sports Action on Saturday from 9pm
Wednesday 15 May 2019 21:04, UK
Josh Taylor is determined to prove he is the best super-lightweight in boxing by defeating Ivan Baranchyk in Glasgow on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Taylor takes on the IBF champion in the semi-finals of the World Boxing Super Series at the SSE Hydro aiming to become Scotland's first world champion since Rickie Burns.
Victory over undefeated Baranchyk will secure Taylor a showdown with WBA champion Regis Prograis after the American knocked out Kiryl Relikh last month to secure his place in the final of the tournament with his 24th straight win.
"It's brilliant, it's the best guys in boxing all fighting against each other," said Taylor during Wednesday's press conference. "It doesn't happen enough in boxing.
"I'm in this game to prove I am the best and I want to fight the best. To be the best you've got to beat the best and I believe Baranchyk is one of the best in the division but I'm fully confident I'm going to win on Saturday."
Taylor, who last year moved to the capital from Edinburgh to work with trainer Shane McGuigan in his Wandsworth gym, is convinced he will end Baranchyk's run of 19 straight wins.
"I moved to London to focus on my career and get the most out of my career that I can do. Really give it 100 per cent, move to London and give this boxing game the best shot I can, no regrets," added the 'Tartan Tornado'.
"It's going to pay off on Saturday and I'm going to become the new IBF champion, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind.
"He's strong, he's a very good fighter, he comes forward, he's aggressive but I see a lot of flaws in him, a lot of mistakes that he makes and I'm going to exploit them on Saturday, I can't wait and get in there and fight him."
Baranchyk will have Freddie Roach in his corner for his first defence of the IBF belt and the Hall of Fame trainer believes Saturday's clash has the makings of a classic.
"It's going to be a great fight," said Roach. "It's the best fighting the best and that's what I love to see in boxing. This is what we need more in boxing. This is a great venue here, it doesn't get any better that this."
Knockout specialist Naoya 'The Monster' Inoue (17-0, 15 KOs) can showcase his punching power on the same Glasgow bill when he faces Emmanuel Rodriguez with both IBF and WBA 'regular' bantamweight belts on the line.
"I have a lot of respect for Rodriguez and I expect a tough fight," said WBA champion Inoue. "I have studied him quite a bit, but you don't really know him until you get in the ring. Once we are there I will figure out how to get the victory."
"I am very excited to be here," said IBF holder Rodriguez. "This fight with Inoue is something we wanted for a long time, so we are glad it's happening. On May 18 I will still be the world champion!"
