Josh Taylor vs. Apinun Khongsong Set For September 26
Unified junior welterweight world champion Josh Taylor will put his IBF and WBA titles on the line against Apinun Khongsong at the BT Sports Studio in London on September 26. The fight will air live on ESPN+ in the United States and BT Sports in the UK. Taylor will be fighting for the first time since signing with MTK Global and Top Rank – who will co-promote the event alongside Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
Taylor was last seen in action against the previously unbeaten Regis Prograis who he defeated back in October to unify the division while claiming the WBSS trophy and the Ring Magazine belt.
Khongsong from Bangkok has established himself as the number one contender by winning the IBF Pan Pacific and IBF Asia titles. He has knocked out his last six opponents which includes former world title challenger Akihiro Kondo.
‘The Tartan Tornado’ is looking forward to his return fight which has been a long time coming.
“I’m excited to be back in the ring after a long layoff,” Taylor said. “The coronavirus had put everything on hold for a few months, so it’s been nice to be in the gym again and back to some normality.
“I didn’t want a warm-up fight, so getting straight back in there against my mandatory challenger is great, as it’s kept me fully focused. I want big fights in my career, so this is an important fight with my belts on the line.
“Training has been going well and I’m feeling fit and strong. I’ve watched a fair bit of my opponent and I’ve seen his strengths and weaknesses, and I’m very confident going into this fight. I can’t wait.”
Top Rank boss Bob Arum spoke with excitement about his new signing who he believes will become the undisputed champion in the near future, he said.
“Josh Taylor is on a collision course to a fight for the undisputed title, but he must first get past a very tough Thai fighter in Khongsong, We are delighted that Josh’s talents will be shown live to ESPN+ and BT Sport viewers, and I expect a spectacular performance come Sept. 26.”
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