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WBA super featherweight champion Carl Frampton insists Josh Taylor is going to be a boxing ’superstar’, and predicts that the Edinburgh fighter will dethrone Ricky Burns.
Frampton was gushing in his praise of the 25-year-old after Taylor dismantled Dave Ryan in a fifth round stoppage to pick up the Commonwealth super lightweight belt on Friday in only his seventh professional bout.
The pair train alongside each other at Shane McGuigan’s London gym and Frampton was ringside with fellow stablemate George Groves at Meadowbank to see the Scot take the first significant step in his career in front of a live television audience.
Having watched Commonwealth Games gold medalist Taylor at close quarters, Frampton is in no doubt that the talented 25-year-old is going to have a bright future.
Frampton said: “This guy is going to be a superstar, I can honestly say that. He is talking about learning off me but I’m learning so much of this kid.
“His shot selection is outstanding, his speed, his reflexes. He is an unbelievable talent and I’m so glad people are getting to see him on television at the start of his career.
“People will think because I’m in his camp I’m going to say this, but he is one of the best talents I’ve seen.
“His speed is the difference between everyone. He’s a super lightweight but he’s got the speed of a light flyweight.
“He’s spiteful, too, which is important in this game. When he sees people hurt, even in sparring, he will go after them. This is a hard business and I like to see that.”
Taylor’s promoter Barry McGuigan is targeting a mouth-watering all-Scottish showdown between Taylor and WBA world champion Burns within a year and Frampton reckons that bout could see a changing of the guard.
Frampton added: “He’s a class act and I’ve been telling everyone that the potential is here for Josh Taylor to be the next big superstar in Scotland after Ricky Burns. I think he is the man to fill his boots.
“You have to say that Burns is the best super lightweight in the country because of what he’s done and what he’s still doing. But in the not too distant future, after one or two more fights, it would be a great fight for Josh and he’d be up for it. I would be confident that Josh could do the business.
“I really like Burns and what he’s doing but I think there is something special about Taylor.
“Josh’s speed against Ryan was the difference. He bust him up because he was so accurate.
“Dave Ryan is no mug, he is a good fighter but there are levels in this game Josh Taylor is levels above guys like Dave Ryan.”
