Boxing experts give their predictions for the Josh Taylor vs Ivan Baranchyk world title fight
BBN ask their panel of experts who wins the May 18 IBF world title fight between Josh Taylor (14-0, 12KO) and Ivan Baranchyk (19-0, 12KO) in the semi -final of the World Boxing Super Series super-lightweight tournament – ‘The Tartan Tornado’ or 'The Beast'?
Kieran Gething
Welsh Area super-lightweight champion
"It’s great that Sky have got this fight now! I think it’s a straight up Josh Taylor win. I think he wins the whole tournament! The best in Britain right now, in my opinion!"
Steve Wood
Promoter, VIP Promotions
"Josh Taylor to win by mid-round stoppage, just too good for him all round."
Miles Shinkwin
Former English light-heavyweight champion
"Josh for me is the standout British fighter right now. I’ve watched Josh train and spar a few times now when I’ve been down the McGuigan gym and he’s exceptional.
I’ve not really heard much of Baranchyk even though he’s world champion but unless he’s something a little bit special I personally can’t see him beating Josh."
Ace Adam
Super-middleweight debutant
"I believe Josh Taylor will win via points."
Erol Ceylan
Promoter
"Josh Taylor will win the fight. I think he is the favorite to win the tournament."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"Josh Taylor has proven his punch power at world level, having dropped a former world titlist, but he doesn't ice opponents out, he wears them down with his high output and constant pressure.
His dismantling and outmaneuvering of top prospect Ryan Martin displayed his boxing skillset to the world and should now be a favourite to win the tournament. He schooled him from the opening bell, broke his heart and stopped him in seven.
Baranchyk has a fearsome reputation as a ferocious puncher but he definitely has holes in his defence when he hangs his hands down in mid-range between hips and head, which Josh Taylor will exploit right from the off. He overloads on his shots, relying too much on his power, and can sometimes telegraph his punches, which Taylor will punish.
I think Baranchyk will be lively and quick for the first few rounds, but will begin to be outboxed and outworked by Taylor, eventually causing the 26-year-old to gradually fatigue, lose heart, and become frustrated. He has been known to land the odd low blow, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets points deducted or even disqualified when he runs out of ideas.
I predict Taylor to win via stoppage in the mid-rounds, approximately 6-8."
Aqib Tahlat
BBN Writer
"I think that Josh Taylor will win this fight on points.
Even though Ivan Baranchyk is a world champion and is a big puncher, but technically I think that Taylor will pick him apart and that will be the difference for me."
Dean Bedford
Sports Agent
"This will be a great fight and I'm really pleased it's on Sky Sports. Think this could open massive doors for Josh Taylor in terms of fanbase and commercially. He is one of the best fighters in the UK right now, I believe.
Ivan Baranchyk is a very good fighter and a big hitter but I do think Josh Taylor is too good. Taylor to win, not sure if it will go to the distance or not. I think Taylor may get wobbled / rocked early stages but will come through and show his class."
Ryan Clark
Co-Founder of buymyfight.com
“I like Josh Taylor, I think he deserves to be called world level and this will be a great test for him to prove that, which I predict he’ll come through in good light.
I can see Josh wearing down Baranchyk causing the ref to step in around Round 9.”
Daniel Smith
BBN Writer
"Ivan Baranchyk is a hardboiled, ferocious scrapper; a real rough, tough kid who may actually prefer his wins to emerge through brutal and ugly fashion.
Of the two, the criteria of his boxing forte does not charter beyond the realms of a savage brawler, as he bulls his opponents to the ropes, blasting out powerful shots, hitting anything and everything in range until the fight is well and truly put to bed.
Taylor, however, is a sharp pugilist whose proficiency dances within the parameters of the "Sweet Science": precision, speed and power, serving as his defence and ammunition that aid his victories.
While 'The Beast' is, at times, careless and sloppy with his punches, leaving himself gaping and vulnerable; he is also a dangerous fighter who can definitely stop Josh Taylor with one solid shot. However, I'm anticipating 'The Tartan Tornado' will keep his head, not engage with any trades, and purely just chip away at his man while keeping on the move.
Both fighters will be tuned-up for this one with the IBF title, a place in the final of the WBSS and their unbeaten records all at stake.
The Scotsman will have his hands full this Saturday night, but I'm going for a Taylor win by stoppage, mid to late on."