Josh Taylor impresses with first-round stoppage

Josh Taylor hit Adam Mate with a half decent shot early, but it was enough to scare the Hungarian. Picture: Steven Scott Taylor

The 2014 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, making his professional hometown debut, ripped into Hungarian lightweight champion Adam Mate from the first bell and, within 90 seconds, the contest was brought to an end.

Twenty-four-year-old Mate was simply unable to live with the Scot’s power and strength and was down on the canvas twice which ultimately sealed the eastern European’s fate.

Mate had billed himself up prior to his arrival in the Capital claiming Taylor would crumble inside the ring given his experience of having had 15 victories under his belt.

How wrong could he have been with his presumptions.

The Evening News understands that the Prestonpans fighter may box before the end of year but as of yet, no decision has been made by Cyclone Promotions.

And although Taylor was slightly disheartened the fight didn’t progress beyond the first round for his fans, he was delighted to have sealed his second paid-ranks win in as many fights.

“I hit him with a half decent shot really early and I think he felt I was a bit too powerful for him,” Taylor said.

“He got up but I don’t think he wanted it. I’m a wee bit disappointed because I wanted to give him a wee bit of a beating but he kind of gave up.

“I felt sharp, I felt good, so I let him know straight away.

“I was a bit surprised [the referee stopped it] as I thought he would have let it go. It is what it is though so it’s back into the gym and onto the next one.

“The crowd were unbelievable, Obviously the Commonwealth Games last year were massive but Meadowbank is a tiny little hall, it was packed so I thought the roof was going to come off.

“It was amazing. I think the crowd put the creepers in Adam as well.”

IBF super bantamweight world champion Carl Frampton travelled up from London to support his stable mate Taylor and was extremely impressed with the boxer’s prowess.

Frampton told the Evening News: “I know he’s capable of it but I didn’t expect it.

“For Josh to be fighting like that in his second fight is incredible. Not many people do that. It was a great win but Josh has all the ability in the world.

“I just wish the people ad gotten to see a wee bit more of him.

“I wasn’t selling tickets like he’s done in my second fight. The noise was incredible so the crowds are sure to get bigger and bigger and get behind him every time.”

The Capital crowd gave Taylor a standing ovation as he left the ring, mobbed by friends and family and one senses this is just the beginning of the Tartan Tornado whipping up one hell of a storm.