FORMER undisputed boxing champion Josh Taylor has thanked fans for the floods of messages received after announcing his retirement.
The Prestonpans sportsman has been forced to step away from the ring due to a “recurring issue” with his eye.
He was the undisputed light-welterweight champion from 2021 to 2022, having won all four major titles in the division – the second Scotsman to do so.
Thousands of fans, boxers, and sports stars have commended the Tartan Tornado on his victorious legacy, with fellow champ Carl Frampton calling for Taylor to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
Taylor posted on social media earlier this week, announcing the “end of an era” as medical advice forced him to “call time” on his career.
He said “I have lived my dream for the last ten years and conquered Mount Everest” and that the decision wasn’t easy but was “sadly necessary”.
Taylor has been suffering with an ongoing eye issue, which could mean him risking his eyesight if he continues to fight.
The East Lothian local said: “I am just a kid from the Pans who scaled the very top of the sport but I could not have done it without those who have supported me, through thick and thin.”
Taylor made his start under Edinburgh coach Terry McCormack, moving up the ranks to win silver in the 2010 Commonwealth Games before qualifying for the London Olympics in 2012.
In 2014, he won gold against Nambia’s Junias Jonas at the Commonwealth Games and began his professional career the year after.
2021 marked his career-defining achievement as he held all four major titles in the light-welterweight division – becoming the undisputed world champion.
Now, he turns to “what life has to offer on the other side of the ropes”, thanking his many coaches for their “time, energy, and guidance”, and his family for their “unwavering love and support”.
Yesterday, Taylor thanked those who had sent him support, saying that he received “literally about a thousand messages” and is trying to get back to everyone.
Current European super-lightweight champion Pierce O’Leary sent Taylor his support over Instagram as fellow boxer Carl Frampton told BBC Scotland: “Josh should be proud of everything he’s done in his career.
“Becoming undisputed champion in 18 fights in a marquee division should be recognised as one of the great British sporting feats ever.”
