SCOTTISH boxer Josh Taylor wants to return to Las Vegas with plenty to say for himself as he builds on his first experience of America’s famous Sin City.
The 26-year-old from Prestonpans was on the undercard of Carl Frampton’s loss to Leo Santa Cruz at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at the end of January.
Taylor extended his unbeaten record to 8-0 with a points victory over Alfonso Olvera, going the distance for the first time following seven knockouts.
He returns to the ring at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Friday night to defend his Commonwealth super-lightweight crown against South African Warren ‘The Warrior’ Joubert.
The 2014 Commonwealth Gold medal winner hopes to take the next step towards a world title fight and confidently headlining a Las Vegas bill.
“That’s what every boxer dreams of,” he told The National Sport. “It would be amazing.
“It was brilliant over there. We had our own house, own chef, own gym and basketball court.
“We then moved into Vegas on the week of the fight and it was good to be around Carl, watching how he does things, his approach to things and his professionalism.
“I wasn’t expecting to say a few words at the press conference, at one of the biggest boxing stages in the world.
“It was a bit like the cat got my tongue.
“But it is all learning. It is all experience and it has stood me in good stead for the future.”
The Scotsman, managed by former world champion Barry McGuigan, will face his most experienced opponent to date in 35-year-old Joubert who has won 26 of his fights with four defeats and five draws.
Taylor said: “He is a tough fighter. I have seen some footage of him.
“He comes forward and he has a heart of a lion so I am expecting a tough fight and I have trained for a tough fight.
“I am in good shape and I am going to make sure I keep that belt,” Taylor added.
Joubert, however, warned Taylor that he is more than a stepping stone to greater things and the Scot will have his work cut out.
He said: “We haven’t come here on holiday, we have come to fight and I am looking to go away with the Commonwealth belt.
“Josh is a good fighter, a Commonwealth Gold medallist but that was as an amateur.
“This is a professional game. Josh has had eight fights, I have had 35 so I am ready for a tough fight,” Joubert added.
“They don’t call me the warrior for nothing.”
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