Watch Josh Taylor vs Ivan Baranchyk live on Sky Sports Action on Saturday from 9pm
Wednesday 15 May 2019 15:45, UK
Josh Taylor says Ivan Baranchyk's decision to draft in trainer Freddie Roach puts the Belarussian at a disadvantage in Saturday's world title showdown.
Taylor will attempt to become Scotland's latest world champion when he takes on IBF super-lightweight champion Baranchyk in the World Boxing Super Series semi-finals, live on Sky Sports Action.
Roach will be in Baranchyk's corner in Glasgow but Taylor believes that will work in his favour.
"Seven weeks with Freddie Roach is not enough time - if anything it's a bit of a disadvantage," said Taylor, who is WBC 'silver' champion.
"It's not enough time to link up with a new trainer and to get to know him, and for him to know your strengths and weaknesses."
Taylor has won all 14 of his professional bouts, 12 via knockout, but admits Saturday's showdown with Baranchyk - who is also unbeaten in 19 fights - represents his toughest challenge to date.
"He's very dangerous," said Taylor. "He comes forward, every punch has got intent behind it.
"He's strong, fit and is in good shape. He's going to come and have a good go but I'm more than prepared for anything he brings to the table.
"I believe I've got an answer for everything that he does."
Taylor expects a raucous atmosphere in the SSE Hydro for "the biggest opportunity of my career" and hopes it will unsettle his opponent.
"It's the moment I've dreamed for, becoming world champion," he said. "This is by far the biggest night of my life. It's huge."
"The crowd play a good part. They always make a hostile atmosphere and that'll hopefully play on Baranchyk's mind.
"If not, it doesn't matter because I'm going to win anyway. I'm going to be keeping the title in Scotland."
