WBSS Super-Lightweight champion, Josh Taylor, has been named as the BBBofC Boxer of the Year for 2020.
WBSS Super-Lightweight champion, Josh Taylor, has been named as the BBBofC Boxer of the Year for 2020.
BBBofC is the governing body of professional boxing in the United Kingdom, and the consideration period for the award was between 1 August 2019 and 31 December 2020, with Taylor winning two fights during that time.
Most significantly the Scottish (17-0, 13 KOs) defeated Regis Prograis in the WBSS Super-Lightweight final back in October 2019 in which he took home the Muhammad Ali Trophy and added the WBA Super-Lightweight title to his IBF belt.
The Tartan Tornado won the final at The O2 in London by majority decision after an epic 12-round battle with Regis Prograis.
Taylor said of winning BBBofC Boxer of the Year: “Thanks to everyone involved and everyone who voted for me. It’s a privilege to be the winner of this award once again and be amongst the many great fighters and names that are on this list from years gone by.”
The Tartan Tornado followed up the WBSS journey with a devastating round one stoppage in September 2020, as he knocked out mandatory challenger, Apinum Khongsong inside one round.
Next up for Taylor is his huge undisputed showdown with José Ramirez, which takes place in Las Vegas in May.
In August 2020 Taylor spoke to WBSS Chief Boxing Officer Kalle Sauerland about a then potential match-up with Rodriguez in ‘Kalle’s WBSS Hangouts’ podcast.
“My intention is to take it out of the judges’ hands,” said Taylor.
“Go in there and dominate him, hurt him, drop him, and if it goes to points there is no question who’s the winner. That’s the goal of what I have to do.
“I think he is an easier fight than Prograis. He is a much easier target. He is much more hurtable – Prograis had rapid head movements. Ramirez is physically stronger, but he is right there to be hit, he is one-dimensional. If he stands and tries to have a war, I will hurt him, bang him on the chin, and put him on his back.”
Mairis Briedis, the latest Ali Trophy winner, was named Latvian Athlete of Year by ‘Sporta Avīze’ early in January.