Josh Taylor defends belts in style with first-round knockout of Apinun Khongsong
Josh Taylor further enhanced his reputation with a first-round knockout of Apinun Khongsong as he defended his WBA and IBF super-lightweight belts in style.
The Scot started on the front foot and caught the Thai challenger with a left-hand body shot to secure victory after two minutes and 41 seconds of action at York Hall in London.
The punch left the previously-unbeaten Khongsong floored for longer than he was fighting for.
The IBF mandatory challenger got off the canvas but then rolled out of the ring under the ropes and left the arena on a stretcher.
The contest – initially due to be staged in Glasgow in May – was Taylor’s first since winning the World Boxing Super Series against Regis Prograis 11 months ago.
Khongsong, 24, had only fought once outside of Thailand, in Japan, and had not fought anyone near the class of Taylor’s opponents, four of whom lost their unbeaten records against the Scot.
And he found the step up in level far too much to handle as Taylor quickly overcame a hurdle in his quest to become undisputed world champion by taking on WBO and WBC champion Jose Ramirez.
