Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman

On May 24, 2025, at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, Ekow Essuman delivered a career-defining performance by defeating former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113. This victory earned Essuman the vacant WBO Global Welterweight title and marked Taylor’s third consecutive loss, casting uncertainty over his future in boxing.

Taylor, making his welterweight debut and returning to fight in Scotland for the first time since 2022, started the match with sharpness and aggression. However, Essuman, nicknamed “The Engine,” showcased remarkable stamina and resilience, gradually taking control in the later rounds. A head clash in the seventh round resulted in a cut above Taylor’s eye, further hampering his performance.

Essuman’s victory not only signifies a personal triumph but also positions him as a formidable contender in the welterweight division, now holding both the WBO Global and WBO European titles. For Taylor, once a dominant force at super-lightweight, this defeat raises questions about his trajectory in the sport.

The event also featured notable undercard bouts, including heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma’s second-round knockout of Mike Balogun and Nathaniel Collins’ fourth-round stoppage of Lee McGregor in a featherweight clash.