For the first time since February 2022, Taylor will fight in his home country of Scotland when he takes on Ekow Essuman at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.

It’s no secret that since the first Jack Catterall fight three years ago, which he won by split decision, Taylor finds himself at a crossroads when it comes carrying on a successful boxing career.

• Read next | ‘Starved of opportunities’ – Josh Taylor relishing return of big-time boxing to Scotland

Against Essuman, Taylor will be making his welterweight debut as he looks to replicate the peak of his powers at super lightweight which saw him become an undisputed champion.

An established name making move up in weight can often be given a walkover opponent to settle into the groove. However, ‘The Tartan Tornado’ has been thrown into the deep end.

Essuman is 21-1 (8 KOs) and last year was involved in a Fight of the Year contender against Owen Cooper. The 36-year-old will come to Glasgow looking to spoil the party and Taylor knows that he will need to produce an eye-catching performance if he is to overcome ‘The Engine’.

“It's a very tough fight. I've got my hands full, and I'm fully focused on this fight. I need to win this fight, and I need to look good doing it,” Taylor told DAZN News in an exclusive interview.

Following losses to Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall, Taylor was lacking motivation, but the Scotsman is to be believed, Essuman may just be the man to reignite his passion for the sport of boxing due to his reputation for being a durable and dangerous foe.

“It's time to re-ignite the fire and get the excitement back under me and the movement behind me again, because I want to put in a good performance here.

“I must put in a good performance and get this win. Ekow gives me the fear factor as well, because I know he's a hard night's work.”

Watch Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman exclusively with a DAZN subscription. Annual and monthly options available, more information here.