Scottish boxing is looking for a new standard bearer following the recent retirement of Josh Taylor.

Who could that be? Taylor, the former undisputed junior welterweight champion, believes that featherweight contender Nathaniel Collins of Bearsden could pick up his mantle.

Taylor had been considering his future after a loss to Ekow Essuman in May. Sadly, a recurring eye injury took the decision out of his hands, and the 34-year-old from Prestonpans was forced to call time on his outstanding career.

The world-ranked Collins (17-0, 8 KOs) will challenge undefeated Spaniard Cristobel Lorente (20-0-2, 8 KOs) for the European featherweight title on Oct. 4 at Braehead Arena in Glasgow. DAZN will stream the action globally.

Taylor thinks that Collins, the former British and Commonwealth champion, has what it takes to follow in his footsteps.

“Absolutely. I've seen his talents,” Taylor told Queensberry. “I’ve seen him first hand in the gym sparring. I've seen the way he lives the life as an athlete, and he's definitely got the talent, so there's absolutely no reason why he can’t.

“Obviously, there’s dominoes that have got to fall in your favour, but it's kind of wide open for him. I believe he can go and do it, and he definitely can do it. He’s got the talent to do it for sure, so I don't see there's any reason why not.”

The speed of Taylor’s rise remains unprecedented in British boxing. He boxed for a world title in just his 15th fight, but by that point he was already battle-hardened.

His matchmaking was ambitious and exciting and there were no sideways steps. Every fight was calculated to take him closer to the top. Once he got there, he refused to consolidate and continued to seek out the biggest names and toughest challenges.

Although Collins is ranked No.10 by Ring Magazine and No.1 by the WBC, he will need to take a slightly more circuitous route, but Taylor recognises enough of himself in his fellow southpaw to believe he can make it.

“A little bit in terms of his dedication and his drive and his focus,” Taylor said. “He’s kind of tunnel visioned and single-track minded, and that's where you need to be at the top. And I think that’s what he's got in abundance along with the confidence.

“He’s got that as well. That's what you need.”