In a recent statement, British super lightweight fighter Ohara Davies has launched strong criticisms at a former rival. Davies has called on the former undisputed world champion to reassess his future in boxing after a series of losses that, in his opinion, have tarnished his reputation.
Currently, Davies is also considering his future after a recent loss to the rising star Adam Azim. Nevertheless, Davies believes that his former rival, Josh Taylor, should consider the option of retiring after the losing streak he is facing.
Taylor, who was once one of the most respected figures in boxing, has fallen from grace after consecutive losses to Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall, which, according to Davies, have turned him into a “joke fighter.”
It’s worth noting that Ohara Davies and Josh Taylor fought in 2017, in a match marked by tension and hostility.
On that occasion, Taylor convincingly defeated Davies, achieving a knockout victory in the seventh round. This triumph was a turning point in Taylor’s career, as he then catapulted to the global stage and achieved the undisputed title in the super lightweight division.
However, Taylor’s career has taken an unexpected turn in recent years. In 2022, he faced heavy criticism after beating Jack Catterall in a highly contested fight, where many believed Catterall was the true winner. The controversy surrounding that fight called Taylor’s dominance into question and cast doubts on his ability to stay at the top.
Following this fight, Taylor faced constant pressure, which intensified even further after his loss to Teofimo Lopez in New York in 2023. Subsequently, the Scotsman fell again to Catterall earlier this year, which confirmed his decline in the eyes of many fans and experts.
Although Taylor has not given any indication that he’s considering retirement, Ohara Davies believes he should question whether it’s worth continuing. In an interview with BoxingScene, Ohara Davies shared his thoughts on Taylor’s decline, suggesting that his time in boxing might be coming to an end. “Taylor is not the same fighter he was,” Davies stated. “I think he needs to sit down and ask himself, ‘Is it worth it? Am I going to further tarnish my reputation?’”
Davies pointed out that Taylor has lost the ferocity that once defined him, recalling a time when he was an undefeated, undisputed champion feared by his opponents. In contrast, he now perceives that many see the Scotsman as a “joke fighter” who has lost the respect he once commanded in the ring.
“The Taylor that we all know was a fierce fighter; walked through anyone, beat anyone, unbeaten, undefeated, undisputed,” Davies added. “Now a lot of people are looking at him like a joke, like he’s a joke fighter, like he’s a walkover,” Davies concluded
Ohara Davies’ criticism clearly reflects the challenge Josh Taylor faces in restoring his former prestige. Although he has shown no intention of retiring, his former rival’s comments add pressure at a delicate moment in his career. Bearing the weight of being a former undisputed world champion, Taylor faces the dilemma of either risking his legacy, redeeming himself, or considering retirement to preserve his place in boxing history.
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