Cyclone Promotions: Josh Taylor Is Exclusively With Us!
Josh Taylor has signed a new promotional deal on the back of becoming a world champion.
The 29-year-old Edinburgh super-lightweight claimed the IBF world title during his run to winning the World Boxing Super Series last year.
Taylor (16-0, 12 KOs), who has been under the Cyclone Promotions banner both managerially and promotionally since turning professional, then added the WBA Super and vacant Ring Magazine titles to his haul in the showpiece final of the tournament at the O2 Arena in London back in October.
And after becoming the consensus number one at 140lbs, the news that Taylor has inked a deal with Bob Arum’s famous Top Rank Inc. and an advisory contract with managerial powerhouse MTK Global was welcomed by everyone –– apart from Cyclone, which is fronted by former WBA world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan.
“We are very disappointed to read the news today that Josh Taylor has signed a promotional agreement with another promotional company,” said a statement released by Cyclone Promotions shortly after the news was revealed. “Josh Taylor is under an exclusive worldwide promotional contract with Cyclone Promotions.”
Taylor is trained by Barry McGuigan’s son, Shane, who has also previously trained Carl Frampton and currently has cruiserweight duo Chris Billam-Smith and Lawrence Okolie, the current European and former British champion, as well as world lightweight contender Luke Campbell in his stable.
“We have successfully brought Josh to the pinnacle of the sport from the day that he turned professional, including working alongside other stakeholders in boxing to deliver him the biggest fights,” the statement continued. “Most recently, Josh became IBF world champion in May 2019 and unified champion in October 2019, and we have been working since then to plan the next stage of his career.
“We are saddened that Josh has felt the need to attempt to break his contract in this manner and frustrated at those who have caused him to do so.”
It has been reported that, as a result of ‘The Tartan Tornado’ inking a deal with Arum and Top Rank, Taylor will fight on ESPN across America going forward.
He said: “2019 was a huge year for me, but 2020 looks set to be even bigger and I’m delighted to have signed a deal with Top Rank and ESPN and an advisory contract with MTK Global.
“I believe I am with the best team to take my career to the next level. I couldn't ask for a better partnership and I know the future looks bright with this team lighting the way.”
Teofimo Lopez Warns Lomachenko: Don't Underestimate Me!
Last month, Teofimo Lopez had a career defining performance when he stopped Richard Commey in two rounds to capture the IBF lightweight world title at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The victory has now set up a unification with WBA, WBC, WBO champion Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Lopez views Lomachenko as the final chapter for 135-pounds.
Following a clash with Loma, the unbeaten champion would then make the jump to the junior welterweight limit of 140-pounds.
"After I beat Lomachenko, I’d be the undisputed world champion at 22 years of age, God willing, and then after that, somebody in the likes of Jose Ramirez or Josh Taylor at 140. Even Regis Prograis. Big names, top dudes that people probably fear. After 140, when I probably clear out that division, too, I’ll go to 147," Lopez told ESPN.
"When you dream big, you can make those things happen, but you also have to put the hard work in, and the effort. It’s earned, not given. Me and my father, who is my trainer, and my team worked very hard to get to this point. Every time I get into that ring it’s up to me whether I make these dreams happen or not. Fighting Lomachenko, honestly, has already written itself."
Lopez would like to face Lomachenko in New York City, but he indicates that won't likely happen as Loma wants the fight to take place elsewhere.
"[I want] New York. It’s my home and the mecca of boxing, and I think that’s just a great place to have it in, but it ain’t really my say. Loma doesn’t want to fight in New York, so obviously it’ll be probably somewhere else. Probably in the likes of Vegas or Dubai or somewhere in Europe," Lopez said. "The last couple fights have been surreal and amazing at MSG. Every time I’m out there and fight at MSG, it’s just bigger than it was before. It’s a great feeling.
"If anything, I’m the only one that’s actually going up and stepping to these guys. I think it surprises my opponents a lot. To them they think I’m young or inexperienced, but I go out there and I show the world, and them, that I’m not what you think I am. Don’t underestimate me… but I like when they do that — it makes it easier for me."