Top 50 Scottish sporting stars of decade – who ranked number one?

From the moment the Prestonpans fighter won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow a world title seemed to be his destiny. His first fight in the professional ranks was in 2015 which, of course, he won. He kept winning, emphatically and classily. He was a natural in there, a clever, elusive and relentless fighting machine.

His 15th bout, in 2019, was against Ivan ‘The Beast’ Baranchyk for the IBF world light-welterweight title, an event that doubled as the World Boxing Super Series semi-final. Baranchyk came to the Hydro in Glasgow with a formidable reputation and an unbeaten record. Taylor put him away on points to become the world champion he had always dreamed of becoming.

The World Series final was against the reigning WBA and WBA champion, Regis Prograis. The American, never slow in trumpeting his own greatness, had an unblemished record – 24 fights, 24 wins, 80% of them by knockout. Taylor proved too much for him in an epic battle, a scrap of the ages. Taylor cemented his place in Scottish boxing history that night. There’s more to come from him. A whole lot more.

A most extraordinary decade ended in scandal when he pleaded guilty to racially abusing and acting in a threatening and abusive manner towards a nightclub doorman while on a boozy night out in Edinburgh. He spoke publicly about his embarrassment and his remorse. He said he felt “ashamed” by his actions. In the future you’d hope he saves the aggression for the gym and the ring, where he is imperious.