Josh Taylor (left) and Jack Catterall during the press tour event on Oxford Street, London
AN ELITE fighter operating in his prime reminds us of the wondrous potential of the human mind and body when elevated to its fullest potential. Watching a prime Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ken Buchanan, Muhammad Ali et al in action is to experience vicariously what it’s like to touch transcendence.
On Saturday night in Glasgow Josh Taylor will climb into a boxing room in Scotland for the first time since achieving the high status of undisputed champion against Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas in May last year. In so doing he can look forward to the kind of reception that has been long overdue up to this point, given his achievements in the sport and the speed at which he has achieved them.
Watching him shadowboxing during the ritual media workout on Wednesday was to watch a fighter who has perfected his craft. Blistering hand-speed combined with beautiful footwork and balance suggests that his undefeated challenger, England’s Jack Catterall, will have to box out of his skin just to survive, never mind win.
Mary Kom’s fists made history in the boxing world. Malak Mesleh’s never got the chance. One story ends in glory, the other in grief — but both highlight the defiance of women who dare to fight, writes JOHN WIGHT
JOHN WIGHT previews the much-anticipated bout between Benn and Eubank Jnr where — unlike the fights between their fathers — spectacle has reigned over substance
