Josh Taylor insists he'll be back better than ever when he jumps up in weight to face former Team GB team-mate Ekow Essuman on May 24 in Glasgow, warning his opponent that it could be an early night at the OVO Hydro.

The Tartan Tornado (19-2, 13 KOs), a former undisputed champion at 140-pounds will be aiming to make waves in the welterweight division, but former British, Commonwealth and European champion Essuman (21-1, 8 KOs) will provide a stern enough debut test.

Taylor hasn't been in action since his rematch defeat to Jack Catterall last May but in actual fact, it's been a difficult three years for the Scotsman.

He beat Catterall via controversial decision in their first bout in February 2022, but most scored the fight in favour of the Englishman. Taylor vacated three of his titles after that before losing his WBO and Ring titles to Teofimo Lopez in June 2023.

Now with new promoters Queensberry and a new weight class to fill into, Taylor has only one thing on his mind: two-weight world champion status.  

He said at a press conference in Glasgow: "I've touched on this before but I've been there, done that, and wore all the t-shirts at light-welterweight. I'm back to being the hunter, I'm nothing at welterweight, I'm trying to prove a point that I can become a two-weight champion.

"I'm up against a proven welter in Ekow, he's tough, he's strong, the engine he gets called, he gives everybody a tough night and that's what I'm expecting. I've got the fear-factor back, I need someone to bring that out of me, I was team-mates with him on GB and we've done some rounds and even then he was tough and strong so I know what he brings to the table, but I'm fully up for it and confident and new challenges ahead.

"I'm looking to become a force at welter. I've never shied away from tough fights, what a great one it's going to be with Ekow. This will show I'm ready for the big fights at welter, may the best man win, have a good training camp and see you soon.

"I believe I beat everyone at my best. When I'm firing on all cylinders, I beat every fighter in the world.

Asked for a prediction on the fight, Taylor obviously backed himself, but even warned Essuman that it could be over quickly.

"It'll be a Josh Taylor win," he added. "I wouldn't be surprised if I get him out of there early but we'll see, it could be a 12-round boxing match. But a Taylor win."