Scottish boxer Josh Taylor has announced his retirement following a devastating diagnosis that revealed multiple retinal tears in his left eye, threatening permanent blindness if he continues to fight.
Idman.biz, citing BBC, reports that the 34-year-old, known as the Tartan Tornado, was diagnosed after a routine eye exam following his May defeat by Ekow Essuman. Initially thought to be one tear, further scans revealed six. Taylor, the first UK male boxer to hold all four light-welterweight belts, described the news as "like my world’s caved in."
Taylor had hoped for "one or two more fights" to end his career on a high after becoming undisputed champion in 2021. Instead, he faces an abrupt end to his storied journey, saying, "It was like falling off the edge of a cliff." Despite the emotional blow, Taylor prioritizes his health over one final bout, refusing to risk losing his sight. This sudden forced farewell marks a heartbreaking close to an extraordinary boxing legacy.
Idman.biz
