Wednesday 20 June 2018 17:53, UK
Josh Taylor says he feels like King Kong when fighting at Glasgow's Hydro Arena and has vowed to put the world on notice by beating Viktor Postol.
'The Tartan Tornado' is one of the brightest prospects in world boxing and he can make the final step towards a dream world title shot with victory over former WBC king and highly-ranked Ukrainian Postol this Saturday night.
With just a sole decision defeat to pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford on his record, Postol remains one of the best super-lightweights around and Taylor is hoping to go one better than the elite American and produce a stoppage win that would make a worldwide statement.
When I walk out to the ring I feel like King Kong. I know no one is going to beat me in front of my home fans.
Speaking exclusively with Sky Sports, the Edinburgh southpaw said: "This is my time and I'm feeling confident and comfortable ahead of this fight.
"Postol has experience in abundance, a lot more than I have in the pro game, but I believe in my ability and, feeling fit and sharp, I have no worries if I have to go 12-rounds for the first time.
"To stop him would be a huge statement, but I won't go looking for it. The way I'm feeling, I can definitely catch him out and, if I do, I will take him out.
"It's not only about winning, but I want to put in a good, solid, performance. Then my name will be talked about highly within boxing. They'll take notice in America and around the world.
"It will be a great night in The Hydro, it'll be full of passion and very loud - the fans always make a lot of noise. It might be a bit hostile for Postol so we'll have to wait and see how he deals with it.
"That atmosphere lifts me that extra five, 10 per cent every time and when I walk out to the ring I feel like King Kong. I know no one is going to beat me in front of my home fans."
Should he win, Taylor would welcome a future fight stateside and even has dreams of one day bringing boxing to Edinburgh Castle.
"Every fighter dreams of fighting in the USA and I'm no different," the 27-year-old continued.
"Las Vegas and Madison Square Garden, they're the iconic places in boxing and where the big fights happen.
"I'd love to go over for a massive fight and then bring belts back to Scotland and maybe, after that, defend a world title at Edinburgh Castle - that'd be amazing."
There have been rumours that Taylor is being lined up to participate in the next instalment of the World Boxing Super Series at super-lightweight, but despite his interest, 'The Tartan Tornado' says nothing has yet been discussed on the matter.
"I haven't heard anything yet so we just need to wait and see how things play out," Taylor continued, "It'd be amazing if I did get involved, the format of the tournament is amazing.
"I'm in a great position and Saturday is the final hurdle towards my dream of becoming a world champion.
"I'm in this game to be the best. To do that, you have to beat fighters like Postol to see what level you're at. I fear no one and relish every challenge.
"Once I'm world champion, in the longer term I want to unify the division and then move up and win titles at a second weight. As I say, I'm in this game to be the best!"
