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Josh Taylor, a former undisputed junior welterweight world champion, will face Teofimo Lopez on June 10 at the Hulu Theatre in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Taylor has no intention of slowing down.
Taylor would give up the WBC, WBA, and IBF crowns as a result of obligatory orders after unifying all four world championships. Around his waist, just the WBO belt is still present.
Over a year has passed since Taylor last competed. Taylor defeated Jack Catterall in a contentious twelve-round split decision in his most recent bout.
Several attempts to make the rematch with Catterall were unsuccessful, as the date continued to get pushed back for a variety of reasons.
The WBO would eventually order Taylor to face Lopez.
Taylor explains that he's never been as disciplined as he's been today.
"I'm absolutely laser-focused this time," Taylor told Sky Sports. "That's the mistake I made last time, I was losing sight of what was in front of me, dropping the ball in terms of focus and motivation.
"Its not an easy task but I'm definitely doing it much better this time. The last time around, I had a lack of discipline, a lack of motivation and that crept into the full performance. I never prepared well and, 'fail to prepare, you prepare to fail'. I almost did fail last time.
"A little bit of complacency had crept in from where I had just been, it felt like I had just climbed Mount Everest in becoming undisputed world champion and I went out and enjoyed life a bit too much, ate a bit too much food, drank a little bit too much, had a bit too much pizza. I definitely learned that lesson, I will not be making that mistake again."
In 2021, Lopez, a previous unified world champion, was shockingly defeated by George Kambosos.
Since then, Lopez has recovered by winning thrice.
When they enter the ring, Taylor is eager to make a statement.