It's all over in a flash as Josh Taylor retains his world titles with first-round KO

Scot knocks out Thai opponent Apinun Khongsong in first round

Josh Taylor celebrates his first-round win over Thailand's Apinun Khongsong.

Edinburgh’s Josh Taylor moved a step closer to becoming undisputed super lightweight champion of the world after a scintillating first defence of his WBA and IBF crowns.

The 29-year-old wasted little time in wiping out the previously unbeaten Apinun Khongsong of Thailand, a thumping body shot leaving his opponent wounded and unable to continue with just 19 seconds remaining of the first round.

It turned out to be an easy night’s work for Taylor at London’s York Hall, who will now set his sights on conquering undefeated American Jose Ramirez, who holds the WBC WBO titles. It was the Scot’s 17th consecutive win since joining the professional circuit five years ago. Khongsong, 27, had to leave the ring on a stretcher.

“The body shot sunk right in,” Taylor said. “I felt it. As he threw with the right hand I fired off the left hook. He is probably the heaviest puncher I’ve been in with it but I took my time and set things up.

“It was a great shot and something we had been working on. I would have liked to have shown a bit more of what (trainer) Ben (Davison) and I have been working on. I believe I have the beating of Ramirez. Hopefully we can get it worked out soon and get the fight on. I’m game for it and will fight the best. I think it would be one of the biggest fights.”

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