UPSET IN GLASGOW: Ekow Essuman Shocks Josh Taylor via Unanimous Decision
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – In a stunning upset at the OVO Hydro, Ekow “The Engine” Essuman handed former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor his third consecutive defeat, winning via unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBO Global Welterweight title.
Judges scored the bout 116-113, 116-112, and 115-113, all in favor of Essuman, who improves his record to 22-1 (8 KOs). Taylor, now 19-3, suffered his first-ever loss on Scottish soil.
Taylor looked sharp early, controlling the first few rounds with movement and crisp combinations. However, a clash of heads in Round 7 opened a cut over Taylor’s left eye, swinging momentum in Essuman’s favor. The Nottingham fighter applied relentless pressure down the stretch, landing clean right hands and overwhelming the former champion with his pace and stamina.
Essuman, who already held British, Commonwealth, and WBO European titles, now puts himself in position for a potential world title opportunity.
Meanwhile, the loss leaves Josh Taylor’s career at a crossroads. Once regarded as one of the best in the world at 140 pounds, Taylor’s transition to welterweight has been turbulent, and questions are mounting about his future at the elite level.
Undercard Results:
- Moses Itauma remained undefeated (12-0, 10 KOs) with a Round 2 KO of Mike Balogun.
- Nathaniel Collins (17-0, 8 KOs) stopped Lee McGregor in Round 4.
- Aloys Junior captured the Commonwealth cruiserweight title with a third-round TKO over David Jamieson.
Event Details:
Main Event: Josh Taylor vs. Ekow Essuman
Result: Essuman wins via UD (116-113, 116-112, 115-113)
Date: May 24, 2025
Location: OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
Broadcast: TNT Sports / ESPN+
