Top five next opponents for Josh Taylor

1. Jose Ramirez

After defeating Viktor Postol in a WBC eliminator Josh Taylor now finds himself next in line for the world champion Ramirez. The American defeated Amir Imam in March to claim the vacant belt and will make a voluntary defence against countryman Danny O’Connor on July 7, if Ramirez is to come out unscathed Taylor will get his shot at world glory.

2. Maurice Hooker

Newly crowned WBO super-lightweight world champion Hooker made a name for himself on UK soil after defeating Terry Flanagan on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s comeback. If Taylor is not to succeed in claiming a WBC title shot meeting Hooker will give the Scotsman the opportunity to claim a world championship and put a newly recognisable name on his record.

3. Regis Prograis

Undefeated in 21 contests Prograis also holds the WBC interim title which he won after beating Ricky Burns conqueror Julius Indongo in March. Prograis defends his title on July 14, against fellow unbeaten boxer Juan Jose Velasco. If the WBC are to order a final eliminator for the WBC world title, Prograis and Taylor could both put up their unblemished records.

4. Adrien Broner

Although not a direct route to a world title, it can’t be argued Broner would not provide Taylor exposure. The brash American is renowned for his pre and post fight antics that always create headlines, and what’s more is Broner is a former four-weight world champion, so, a win over ‘The Problem’ would be a major success for Taylor.

5. Ivan Baranchyk

After Mikey Garcia vacated the IBF super-lightweight world title Baranchyk currently finds himself ranked highest in the organisation. Another possible world title opportunity for Taylor could lay with the undefeated Baranchyk and the Scotsman’s current ranking of eight with the IBF could assist him in this matchup taking place.