In the unforgiving world of professional boxing, careers often end not with a final bell, but with an unexpected whisper. For Josh Taylor, the undisputed super-lightweight champion, that whisper came not from a defeated opponent, but from a medical diagnosis that put his vision – and life – first. Weeks after a shocking retirement announcement, “The Tartan Tornado” offers a candid, raw, and at times, bittersweet reflection on a career cut short, the unseen battles fought, and the surprising clarity found beyond the ropes.
The Unseen Blow: A Career`s Sudden Halt
“It’s been quite shit,” Taylor confessed, a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the abruptness of his departure. His career wasn`t merely slowing down; it was violently derailed by a critical eye injury. What began as a routine check-up for a suspected tear in his retinal tissue escalated into a life-altering discovery: six tears requiring immediate laser surgery. The gravity of the situation was stark.
“The doctor said I was very lucky I came in when I did because it might have only taken one more big blow to my eye, and I could have been blinded. I can say I am lucky to still have my vision because I went in when I did. I am extremely fortunate in that sense.”
Such words underscore the thin line between glory and tragedy in combat sports. For Taylor, the decision to retire, though agonizing, was ultimately made for him. To fight on would have been a gamble too great, risking permanent vision loss – a price no championship belt could ever justify. Having achieved more than he ever dreamed, including the coveted undisputed title, Taylor chose to “cash in my chips” and preserve his health, a testament to wisdom gained through a brutal sport.
The Lingering “What Ifs”: Battles Beyond the Ring
While the eye injury was the final, undeniable catalyst, Taylor`s recent record suggested a fighter in decline to many observers. Three consecutive defeats painted a stark picture, yet the man himself insists there`s a more nuanced story. He firmly believes he won his controversial second fight against Jack Catterall, dismissing the verdict as a “sympathy vote.” The subsequent loss to Teofimo Lopez, he reveals, was also fought under duress.
A severe plantar fasciitis injury severely hampered his preparation for the Lopez bout. Faced with an ultimatum to either fight within six months or vacate his last remaining belt, Taylor pushed through, training within crippling limitations. “I could only do three weeks of running after the injury had healed up,” he explained, painting a picture of a champion battling not just an opponent, but his own compromised body and a rigid system.
And then there was COVID-19. Taylor vividly recalls being “100 per cent” that the global pandemic had robbed him of his momentum, striking just as he was ascending after his career-defining victory over Regis Prograis. The subsequent lockdowns, reduced fight frequency, and the absence of a proper “coming home moment” after unifying titles against Jose Ramirez, all contributed to a stalled trajectory. It’s a compelling, often overlooked, narrative for many athletes whose primes intersected with the unprecedented restrictions.
Beyond the Ropes: A New Chapter Beckons
Despite the “shit end” and the inevitable regrets over lost momentum, Taylor exudes a sense of quiet pride and an optimistic outlook. He achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, then surpassed it by becoming undisputed. His career, though ending abruptly, stands as a monument to grit and determination.
Now, at a relatively young age for a retired champion, Taylor is already looking ahead. “The future is bright,” he declares, hinting at “opportunities [that] have already come knocking on my door.” While the boxing world might briefly imagine him trading punches for reality show theatrics – perhaps an SAS course or some celebrity ice-skating, a thought not entirely without ironic charm – it`s clear his future will likely remain tethered to the sport that defined him.
Punditry seems a natural fit for a fighter known for his intelligent approach and articulate insights. Taylor`s journey from a formidable amateur to an undisputed professional champion, marked by both thrilling victories and the quiet torment of injury, provides a rich tapestry of experience few can match.
Josh Taylor`s legacy, particularly his reign as undisputed super-lightweight champion, will undoubtedly endure, securing his place in the annals of British boxing. The eye injury may have dictated the timing of his final bow, but it cannot diminish the brilliance of his prime. As he steps away from the glare of the boxing ring, he does so not as a fallen fighter, but as a man who faced his final, most personal opponent with courage and emerged with his vision, and his dignity, intact. The Hall of Fame, one suspects, will come calling sooner rather than later.
