Josh Taylor: Date and venue confirmed for title bout with Apinun Khongsong

Josh Taylor celebrates victory over Regis Prograis during the World Boxing Super Series. Picture: Getty | Getty

Josh Taylor will return to Glasgow to defend his IBF title against Thai fighter Apinun Khongsong.

The bout - a mandatory title defence - will take place at the SSE Hydro on Saturday 2 May and will be broadcast live by BT Sport.

It will be Taylor's first in-ring action since triumphing at the World Boxing Super Series in London, where he defeated Regis Prograis to unify the WBA and IBF belts, as well as picking up the WBSS trophy and Ring Magazine belt.

Taylor won his first world championship during the series after defeating Ivan Baranchyk in a unanimous decision in Glasgow.

The event will be promoted by Frank Warren for Queensberry Promotions in association with Top Rank, who Taylor recently signed for after leaving Barry McGuigan's Cyclone Promotions.

Taylor said in a statement: "I am super excited to kickstart the new year with a fresh start and with a new team.

"It's great to have the teams at MTK Global, Queensberry Promotions and Top Rank in my corner.

"I’m delighted to be fighting on BT Sport and ESPN+ and even more so that this is happening in Scotland in front of a home crowd who have waited so long for this!

"I can’t wait to get the ball rolling with a great performance."

Taylor will enter the ring at 16-0 in his professional career, the same record shared by his opponent, who betters Taylor by 13 KOs to 12.

Khongsong worked his way into mandatory position through winning the IBF Pan Pacific and IBF Asia titles. The Pan Pacific belt he has defended on three occasions.

Promoter Warren said: "I am delighted that we are able to be part of bringing Josh Taylor to Glasgow at such an important juncture in his career.

"Josh is destined for many big fights over in the States but he has got business to attend to first on the home front and this presents an opportunity for the Scottish fans to really get behind their man in huge world title action.

"I am also looking forward to returning to Glasgow where we have enjoyed many great nights in the past and I am thrilled we have secured Josh to perform on the BT Sport platform."

Taylor’s promoter, Top Rank chief Bob Arum, added: “Josh is a truly special fighter who is set on becoming the undisputed 140-pound champion in 2020. I have no doubt he will put on a sensational performance for his home fans. I can’t wait for ‘The Tartan Tornado’ to return.”