‘No excuses’ – Josh Taylor loses WBO super-lightweight title on points to Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden

Josh Taylor lost his WBO super-lightweight title to Teofimo Lopez in a comprehensive points defeat at Madison Square Garden.

It signalled the end of the Scotsman’s title defence lasting more than four years, in what was his first defeat in 20 professional bouts.

He has already vacated the WBC, IBF and WBA belts due to injuries and mandatory commitments, while this latest setback will be an equally tough pill to swallow.

Lopez was in fine form on the night and that was reflected in the judges’ scorecards of 115-113, 115-115 and 117-111.

This was the 32-year-old’s first fight since controversially overcoming Jack Catterall in February last year, and the result could have been very different after a fast start.

He utilised the jab well and delivered some brilliant body shots, and momentum seemed to be firmly with Taylor after Lopez slipped to the canvas in round three.

Lopez gradually grew into the fight and started to assert his dominance on the contest from the sixth round onwards, with Taylor unable to cope with the Brooklyn boxer’s hand speed.

Aside from an unlikely Taylor knockout, Lopez was cruising to victory as Taylor continued to toil in the latter rounds.

And Lopez consolidated his position late on to secure a world title in a second weight class to leave Taylor wondering what might have been.

Speaking after the fight, Taylor said: “No excuses. He was better on the night. It is what it is so congratulations to Teofimo.

“I would love to do it again. I know I am better than that and I know I can beat him.

“So yes, I would love to do it again but he’s the champ and the ball is in his court.”

Meanwhile, it was a special night for Lopez after a masterful display to give a perfect response to a poor performance against Sandor Martin last time out.

This was an ideal way to bounce back for the American, with many questioning the fighter’s mental state after a series of disappointing fights and several issues in his personal life.

Lopez said: “I just want to thank God first. It has been a long time coming.

“We just beat the number one champion, Josh Taylor, former undisputed champion.”

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