Josh Taylor now eyeing WBO and WBC belts
Fresh from his epic victory over undefeated American Regis Prograis (24-1) in the World Boxing Super Series super-lightweight final, Josh Taylor (16-0) now targets the only other 140lbs world champion, Jose Ramirez (25-0).
Prestonpans' Taylor, 28, lifted the coveted Ali trophy, a creation from the hand of the late Silvio Gazzaniga, the sculptor of the Fifa World Cup trophy, following his majority decision win in London on October 26.
In doing so, 'The Tartan Tornado' became a unified champion and catapulted his way to very top of the super-lightweight table, as well as the pound-for-pound world rankings.
In defeating 30-year-old Prograis, Taylor added the American's WBA title to the IBF super-lightweight strap he had secured with his victory against explosive Belarusian Ivan Baranchyk in Glasgow in May.
The Scottish southpaw has now ruined the unbeaten record of his last three opponents – Regis Prograis (25-0); Ivan Baranchyk (19-0); Ryan Martin (22-0).
Now, the unified champ turns his attention to becoming undisputed by facing feared Mexican-American Jose Ramirez, who holds both the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organisation World titles.
During the post-fight press conference, Taylor expressed his delight at holding The Ring Magazine belt, awarded to the unquestionable no.1 fighter in a weight division.
Despite having only fought 16 times as a pro since winning Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow in 2014, Taylor's position as the best 140lb boxer in the world today is not up for argument, as Prograis and Taylor were number one and two in the rankings going in to Saturday night's fight, which experienced referee Marcus McDonnell described as, "In my 31 years as a ref that is the best fight I've ever been involved with. It was an honour to share the ring with two great champions. I always say 'let's go to work', wow these two did for sure."
Not satisfied with being number one in the division, the Scot defiantly declared that he wants to be the only one in the division, "I'd like to be the only champion in the division. That's not been done in Scotland since Ken Buchanan in 1971. He was the last undisputed champion.
"I've got a bit of pulling power now to say that I would like to get that fight.
"I think Jose Ramirez would like that fight as well because it's probably one of the biggest fights in boxing at the minute.
"He is calling himself the best in the division and I believe I am the best in the division, but I'd like to prove that I am the number one and have all the belts and leave no doubts."
Taylor's trainer Shane McGuigan added that his fighter was the "The '0' Thief", a reference to the disappearance of the perfect records of Martin, Baranchyk and Prograis.
The talented 'Tartan Tornado' is determined to keep making history as he hunts down his next legacy-defining achievement in boxing, clearly attempting to leave the sport with his name forever emblazoned amongst the country's best.
Scotland's only undisputed champions:
Benny Lynch (88-14-17) 1931-1938
Jackie Paterson (63-25-3) 1938-1951
Walter McGowan (32-7-1) 1961-1969
Ken Buchanan (61-8) 1965-1982
Jim Watt (38-8) 1968-1981