Martin Taylor is determined to win his first title against Ahmed Ibrahim
Livingston's Martin Taylor (6-0) says he’s determined to bring a belt back to his town when he takes on 'The Black Assassin' Ahmed Ibrahim (9-2-1) for the Scottish super-lightweight title in Paisley this weekend, June 15.
Unbeaten Taylor, 33, hails from largest town in West Lothian and will travel 42 miles along the M8 to enter into a 10-round championship contest with Ibrahim, who will be occupying the home corner on the night.
The Kynoch Boxing event is headlined by Hannah Rankin (6-3) as she challenges for the IBO world female super-welterweight title against American Sarah Curran (4-1-1).
Speaking to his local newspaper, Taylor said: “I’m absolutely buzzing and raring to go. It’s going to be a title fight and that makes it that bit more special.
“I can’t recall anybody from Livingston winning a pro title so that would be the aim, to bring it back home.
“All my focus is on this fight and the training camp has been brilliant. Most boxers will say that about every training camp, to be fair, but this one has been really good.
“I feel super fit and strong just now and the weight is fine. I’m in a really good place both mentally and physically, which maybe wasn’t the case in my last fight but I’m 100 per cent at it right now.”
He added: “I know it will be a very tough fight but I’m very confident of getting the win in the toughest fight of my career to date.
“It would mean everything to be able to bring the belt back and show it off to my wee boys Mekhi and Blake.”
Martin is now training under Kenny McCartney at Craigmillar, as well as working alongside Andy Leask at Broxburn and Crossfit Bathgate and he believes they are helping him reach the top.
He said: “Kenny is very happy with how training has been going and I’m feeling better and better after every session.
“I’ve also been working with Andy and he’s been a great person to have on board and the guys at Crossfit Bathgate always go above and beyond for me and help me to push myself.”
He said: “Kenny is very happy with how training has been going and I’m feeling better and better after every session.
“I’ve also been working with Andy and he’s been a great person to have on board and the guys at Crossfit Bathgate always go above and beyond for me and help me to push myself.”