JOSH TAYLOR’S Scotland homecoming and welterweight welcome against Ekow Essuman ended in disaster.
The 34-year-old Tartan Tornado was supposed to leap up a weight and dominate the 36-year-old Nottingham underdog.
2
But Ekow ‘The Engine’ put on a brilliant showing of grit and commitment to win a unanimous decision.
The Three ringside judges in Glasgow called it: 116-113, 116-112 and 115-113.
Scotland’s former undisputed super-lightweight king raced away with the opener, jabbing Essuman’s head but then brutalising his body.
Essuman enjoyed some right-hand success in the second but it was Taylor who was always landing the more punishing blows, especially to the torso.
Taylor shipped another right hand as soon as the third started and failed to box his way back the session.
And the fourth was a screamer as Essuman was wobbled by a left hand and then Taylor was staggered by a right.
A seventh-round head clash cut Taylor around his left eye and gave Essuman a big red bullseye to aim for.
And Essuman’s scores and confidence grew as the fight went on, as Taylor kept trying to land a stunning stoppage and allowed his rival to snatch rounds.
The tenth was a brilliant round for the away fighter who was supposed to give Taylor a warm and victorious welcome to the 10st 7lb division.
Taylor stopped punching back in the championship rounds as Essuman exposed him with so much more energy and enthusiasm right up until the final bell.
2