**Josh Taylor Returns to Glasgow to Face Ekow Essuman in High-Profile Welterweight Clash**
Renowned Scotsman Josh Taylor makes a much-anticipated return to his home city of Glasgow tonight as he squares off against Ekow Essuman in a pivotal welterweight bout, marking a new chapter in his boxing career. The SSE Hydro Arena will play host to the event, spotlighting Taylor’s progression to the welterweight division following his controversial encounter and defeat against Jack Catterall last year—a low point that has been much discussed among boxing observers.
The upcoming contest is not just a new test for Taylor, who formerly held the undisputed super-lightweight world title, but also a significant opportunity for Essuman to further establish his credentials on a big stage. The 34-year-old Taylor, previously unbeaten until the Catterall rematch, has been eager for a return to winning ways, especially in front of an expectant Scottish crowd. After a fruitful reign at super-lightweight, his move up in weight has sparked considerable interest and debate within the boxing community.
Ekow Essuman presents a formidable challenge. Known for his resilience and power, Essuman boasts a professional record blemished only by a single defeat to Harry Scarff in 2023, a bout which went to the judges’ scorecards. Essuman has since rebounded, sealing victories over both Ben Vaughan and Owen Cooper, reaffirming his status as one of the division’s most durable contenders. Throughout his career, Essuman has captured a collection of accolades, including the British, Commonwealth, WBC International Silver, and IBF European titles.
The undercard promises its own dramatic narrative, featuring an all-Scottish featherweight affair between Nathaniel Collins, an unbeaten former British champion, and Lee McGregor, who once held the European bantamweight crown. Eager eyes will also be on Moses Itauma, an emerging heavyweight prospect who turned professional in 2023 and has rapidly amassed a flawless record, registering 11 wins with nine knockouts. Itauma’s presence on the card is likely to draw additional interest from fans and pundits alike, who are eager to witness the ascent of one of Britain’s brightest boxing hopes.
Frank Warren, the head of Queensberry Promotions, which is staging tonight’s event, offered his perspective in the lead-up. “Josh embarking on his welterweight journey as a Queensberry fighter promises excitement,” Warren commented. “Essuman is a tough opponent—he’s achieved a lot, entertains every time out, and but for a slip at the end of 2023 could have already fought for a world title. Still, he’s rebuilt impressively and tonight’s contest is a real test for both men.”
Boxing enthusiasts planning to follow the action can do so live via DAZN, with coverage beginning from 7pm on Saturday, 24 May. The headline Taylor versus Essuman clash is scheduled to take place at around 10pm, subject to the conclusion of earlier bouts. Importantly, unlike some major fight nights, the event is not pay-per-view. Fans can access the entire evening with a DAZN subscription—priced either at £119.99 annually, £14.99 monthly, or via a flexible pass at £24.99, with options for desktop and mobile streaming.
Beyond the main event, the night’s lineup includes notable match-ups spanning several weight classes. In addition to Taylor and Essuman, viewers can expect to see Aloys Junior take on Davie Jamieson at cruiserweight, and Alex Arthur Jr go up against Robbie Chapman in the super middleweight division. Lightweight prospects are also showcased as Luke McCormack meets Samir Cuentas.
The card’s depth reflects the growing vibrancy of UK and European boxing, with all eyes on Glasgow for the next wave of potential champions. Meanwhile, fight fans are reminded that a diverse array of international boxing fixtures will also take place over the weekend, including a highly anticipated rematch between Rene Calixto and Willibaldo Garcia in Mexico, as well as Angelo Leo versus Tomoki Kameda in Japan.
As anticipation builds, tonight’s show stands as not only a major sporting event for Scotland but also a vital crossroads in the careers of both Josh Taylor and Ekow Essuman. With so much at stake and a robust undercard to savour, the eyes of the boxing world are firmly fixed on Glasgow.