Josh Taylor retires from boxing due to eye injury

By Mark Staniforth, PA

Former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor has announced his retirement from boxing due to an eye injury.

Taylor underwent eye surgery last year and has been advised by specialists that to continue could endanger his eyesight.

The 34-year-old will go down in history as one of Scotland’s greatest boxers, having won and then unified the world light-welterweight titles.

Taylor said in a statement: “As has been publicised before, I’ve had a recurring issue with my eye that unfortunately means I now have to call time on my career or risk losing my eyesight.

“While the fighter in me always wants to box on, I know I have to listen to the medical professionals and save me from myself.

“It is certainly not the way I wanted to bow out but I have to listen to the doctors and those around me.”

Taylor, from Prestonpans, turned professional one year after winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

He claimed the IBF version of the world light-welterweight title with a points win over Ivan Baranchyk in Glasgow in May 2019, and added the WBA ‘super’ title by beating Regis Prograis in his next bout.

Taylor went on to beat previously undefeated Jose Ramirez to become the undisputed champion in Las Vegas in May 2021.

Taylor suffered his first defeat to Teofimo Lopez in New York in June 2023 and was also beaten in a rematch by British rival Jack Catterall in his following bout.

After undergoing surgery, Taylor returned for a bout against Ekow Essuman in Glasgow in May this year, but suffered his third consecutive defeat.