Scots boxing prodigy Josh Taylor sets sights on Amir Khan path

Jul 27 2008 By Euan Mclean

HE has sparred with world champion Alex Arthur but boxing prodigy Josh Taylor admits he wants to follow Amir Khan's example on his route to success.

The 17-year-old is determined to make his name by starring on the highest amateur stages as he prepares for the pro ranks - just as Khan did with a superb silver medal win at the 2004 Olympics.

And Edinburgh flyweight Taylor hopes to take that first big step at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India, this October after being named Clydesdale Bank Athlete of the Month.

The bank are strong supporters of Scotland's team for the Games and this inaugural awards scheme is designed to showcase the brightest young talents striving to make the squad.

Each month Commonwealth Games Scotland are asking coaches and team managers to nominate an athlete from their sport who has shone in competitions.

A panel of expert judges debate the most deserving cases and each monthly winner receives £300 from the Clydesdale Bank plus an additional £100 for their club.

That's a welcome boost for Gilmerton Athletic Club youngster Taylor who is grafting in the gym in the hope he'll be on the plane to India. Josh said: "I have been lucky enough to spar a couple of times with Arthur when I've been training at Meadowbank.

"The latest was just last week because he's preparing for his next fight against Nicky Cook.

"He was only playing with me but I learned so much in those three rounds.

"Being from Edinburgh like me, Alex is a big influence but I would like to follow a similar path to Khan before turning pro.

"I want to do something big at amateur level like winning medals at the Olympic Games.

"So I see the Youth Commonwealths as an important next step.

"I'll be so excited if I get selected for Pune.

"This award encourages me I'm going in the right direction after winning silver at the Youth GB Championships plus a gold and two bronzes at the Youth Multi-Nations in the last two months."

Taylor's early potential is all the more remarkable considering he's only been boxing for two years and before then was a British martial arts champion.

He said: "I started taekwondo when I was five and although I got to black belt and won national titles, boxing always appealed.

"But there was no local club where I lived so I never got a chance until my mum Diane, who works at Meadowbank Sports Centre, told me about one there.

"My taekwondo coach said it would strengthenmy hands but I enjoyed the boxing so much I didn't go back!

"It might be surprising I'd leave a sport where I was doing well at national level but I believe I can go be even more successful as a boxer."