Taylor downs defending champ in London

Lochend coach Terry McCormack and his southpaw light-welterweight ace Josh Taylor were both cock-a-hoop after Taylor defeated reigning British ABA 10-stone champion Danny Phillips 10-7 in their British Amateur title semi-final clash in London’s York Hall yesterday.

McCormack said: “Josh started cautiously against Phillips but once Taylor realised that he was drawng 7-7 on points going into the final round, he poured on the pressure and won by 10-7 – it’s a great performance.

Only Englishman Louis Adolphe now stands between Taylor and British title glory when the pair clash in atelevised bout later today but coach McCormack has warned Taylor that it will be tough assignment.

Meanwhile, Taylor’s middleweight Lochend clubmate Tommy Philbin received a bye straight into the 75kgs final.