The boxing world recently felt the quiet tremor of an undisputed champion stepping away from the squared circle. Josh Taylor, widely known as “The Tartan Tornado” for his whirlwind ascent and fierce fighting style, announced his retirement from professional boxing at the age of 34. While tributes have rightly poured in for a career marked by historic achievements, a different, perhaps more profound, sentiment has emerged from those closest to him: relief.
A Coach`s Perspective: The Unseen Battles
For Terry McCormack, Taylor’s long-standing amateur coach, the news wasn`t just about a glorious career concluding; it was the end of a hidden struggle. McCormack, who has been a constant presence since Taylor’s formative years, revealed a profound sense of ease regarding his protégé’s decision. This isn`t born of indifference, but rather a deep understanding of the toll the sport takes, particularly in its twilight years.
“There is a relief because I know what he’s been going through in these last few training camps,” McCormack shared. “I’m glad the doctors told him because it saved me doing so. He probably wouldn’t have listened because boxers just keep going.”
This candid admission speaks volumes. It highlights a universal truth in combat sports: the warrior`s spirit often defies the body`s protests. Boxers, by their very nature, are conditioned to push past pain, to ignore the whispers of wear and tear, and to always believe in one more round, one more fight. For a coach, witnessing this relentless drive while simultaneously seeing the physical decline, creates a unique dilemma. McCormack`s relief stems from the fact that an external, undeniable authority – medical professionals – made the difficult decision for Taylor, saving him from having to convince a fighter to cease fighting.
The Unbeatable Opponent: An Eye For An Eye
Taylor’s retirement was not born of defeat in the ring but rather from an ongoing battle with a recurring eye issue. In a sport where a fraction of a second can determine victory or devastating loss, compromised vision is a non-negotiable hazard. It`s a cruel irony that a man who dominated opponents with his sharp focus and precise striking was ultimately forced to concede to an opponent he couldn`t punch back: his own physiology. This underscores the brutal realism of professional boxing, where the body is both a weapon and its greatest vulnerability.
A Legacy Etched in History
Despite the bittersweet ending, Josh Taylor`s career stands as a testament to exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. His journey to becoming the undisputed super-lightweight champion in just 18 professional fights was nothing short of meteoric. The pivotal victory over Jose Carlos Ramirez in May 2021 not only unified all four major world titles at 140lbs but also solidified his place in history as the first British fighter to achieve such a feat in the modern era.
Such accomplishments have earned him immense respect. Boxing News columnist Steve Bunce has already placed Taylor among the top 15 greatest British boxers of all time – a pantheon that includes legends like Lennox Lewis and and Joe Calzaghe. Closer to his Scottish roots, McCormack doesn`t shy away from comparing Taylor to another Edinburgh icon, Ken Buchanan, even suggesting Taylor might eclipse him.
“Josh is on par with Kenny Buchanan, if not better,” McCormack asserted. “That’s for the people to decide but I’d go with Josh. I’m maybe biased but that’s my opinion. Ken Buchanan didn’t get the recognition until he retired and that could be the same with Josh.”
This comparison, while perhaps a touch biased as McCormack admits, speaks to the profound impact Taylor has had. Buchanan`s legendary status grew significantly after his fighting days, a trajectory McCormack believes Taylor`s legacy might follow. It`s a subtle nod to the idea that true greatness often takes time to be fully appreciated, especially after the roar of the crowd has faded.
The Post-Fight Chapters
Josh Taylor’s retirement marks the end of an exhilarating chapter. While the “Tartan Tornado” will no longer be seen unleashing his fury in the ring, his impact resonates. It`s a reminder that sometimes, the bravest decision for a fighter is not to enter the ring, but to step away from it. For McCormack and many others who watched him rise, there`s a sense of pride in his achievements, coupled with the quiet comfort that their champion is now safe, able to transition into the next phase of his life, eyes clear and unburdened by the demands of the ring.
