Josh Taylor insists Apinun Khongsong is not on his level and has vowed to put on a devastating display at York Hall on Saturday night.
Undefeated Taylor defends his WBA ‘Super’ and IBF Super-Lightweight world titles against unbeaten Thai, Khongosong at York Hall, in a rescheduled clash after their original May 2 date was postponed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taylor, who fights for the first time since beating Regis Prograis in a thriller last October has promised a destructive display over Khongsong who compete in a maiden world title bout.
“Khongsong is standing in the way of where I want to go so I need to get rid of him,” Taylor said in the pre-fight press conference.
“This is his introduction to world boxing and I am going to make it a painful one for him.
“He doesn’t belong at this level and I am a couple of levels above him. I am going to go in there and knock him out on Saturday.
“I have seen a lot I can exploit. He is a very good fighter and very strong, punches with both hands with power, but it is not enough to beat me.
“I am just really looking forward to getting in there on Saturday and putting on a strong performance.”
Taylor, 29, will make his debut under the Top Rank banner, whom he signed a promotional pact with in January, as well as his first bow alongside new trainer Ben Davison, after parting company with Shane McGuigan.
And the Scot, who is on course to meet fellow unified champion Jose Ramirez in an undisputed showdown in 2021 is relishing the opportunity to display what he’s been improving on with Davison, who played a pivotal role in Tyson Fury’s comeback.
“You will see on Saturday what changes I have made working with Ben (Davison) and I am not going to give away what we have been working on,” Taylor added.
“It is good and we’ve been working on a lot of things and this is a nice start to a whole new book.
“This is the start of it, it is going to be better than the last one and I can’t wait to get going on Saturday.”
Taylor and Khongsong will meet behind closed doors in Bethnal Green, align with British Boxing Board of Control regulations, however ’The Tarton Tornado’ says he has prepared for the occasion in the gym.
“I don’t think not having a crowd will affect my performance at all,” Taylor continued.
“I’ve been practicing in the gym with no music, no noise and nobody speaking, so we have been replicating what the experience will be like.
“I’m looking forward to getting in there on Saturday and I have kept fit and in shape throughout the year. I can’t wait to put on a strong performance.”
Khongsong, who has stopped 13 of his 16 opponents is confident of causing a huge upset and has boldly stated his intentions to claim victory inside the distance.
“I am happy to fight here and being behind closed doors is good for me because there will be no people and boxing fans,” said the 24-year-old
“I am very proud to fight Josh Taylor because he is a very good champion.
“I have prepared very well to fight him on Saturday. The plan is to stop Josh Taylor by knockout.”
Live coverage on BT Sport 1 begins on Saturday at 7.30pm
