Finest Scotch

The World Boxing Super Series serves up two quality encounters in Scotland, writes Paul Wheeler

- Paul Wheeler

SCOTLAND is famous for its Loch Ness Monster, but this Saturday (May 18), fans will be treated to a very rare sighting of the Yokohama “Monster” on Scottish soil – at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, to be exact. Sky Sports Action (UK) and DAZN (US) televise as Japanese pound-for-pound phenom Naoya Inoue makes his debut appearance in Europe and only his second outside of his home nation. The former two-weight world ruler aims to book his place in the final of the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament when he challenges Puerto Rican IBF king Emmanuel Rodriguez.

As enticing as this clash is, it will only serve as a starter for the locals in attendance. For them, the main course on this Sauerland promotion is undoubtedly their highly touted countryman, Josh Taylor, who is gunning for his first world championship, as well as a spot in the WBSS superlightweight final. “The Tartan Tornado” takes on Belarus’ IBF boss Ivan Baranchyk in what is, like RodriguezInoue, a fascinating battle of unbeatens.

It was only a month ago that Taylor’s title tilt was officially confirmed. Prior to this, it seemed unlikely that Baranchyk would be lining up against the Scot this weekend. In fact, the Russia-born titlist actually announced his withdrawal from the WBSS back in January, citing financial, communication and scheduling issues with the tourney organisers, Comosa AG, as the reason for his pull-out. Fortunately, the two camps managed to come to a resolution, which allowed Baranchyk to remain in the competition – something that thrilled Taylor.

“I’m delighted to be fighting for a world title,” the Prestonpans portsider said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to become a world champion. I’m very confident I’ll win – and in style. I can’t wait to rip the belt off Baranchyk and then send him home.”