Unified light-welterweight world champion Josh Taylor has pleaded guilty to racist and homophobic abuse on a night out in Edinburgh.
The 28-year-old is the current holder of the IBF and WBA light-welterweight belts.
But the unified champion has said he is “ashamed” after pleading guilty to abusing a nightclub doorman on Saturday 14 December.
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‘Ashamed’
The Scot has been fined £350 after admitting to behaving in a ‘threatening and abusive’ manner.
Taylor was charged for using racist and homophobic slurs against a bouncer at Shanghai nightclub whilst on a night out in the capital city.
He also pleaded not guilty to a charge for possession of cocaine, which the court accepted.
He became the unified world champion in October 2019 when he beat Regis Prograis to retain his IBF belt and take the WBA championship.
Following the court order on Wednesday, the boxer took to social media to apologise for his actions. He wrote on Twitter: “Whilst out celebrating with friends on Saturday in Edinburgh I made some stupid comments and poor decisions resulting in legal charges.”
“I hold my hands up for making remarks which caused offence and I was rightfully found guilty of. I’m ashamed about the whole incident.”
Whilst out celebrating with friends on Saturday in Edinburgh I made some stupid comments and poor decisions resulting in legal charges.
I hold my hands up for making remarks which caused offence and I was rightfully found guilty of. I’m ashamed about the whole incident.
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorBoxer) December 18, 2019
Defending Himself
However, Taylor did go on to reaffirm that the drug allegations were incorrect and that he had been found not guilty of them.
He continued: “The other charge, I have been rightfully found not guilty of. I’m regularly tested by all the relevant authorities – and could be at any time regardless of when I’m fighting. I would never risk my career and reputation with drugs.”
The events have come at a time when the undefeated Southpaw was flying high. His reckless actions have cast a dark shadow over what had been until now a prosperous career in the ring.
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Time to Reflect
The Prestonpans-born fighter has said he will take time away from boxing to reflect on his actions. He also thanked his family for their ongoing support:
“I whole heartedly apologise for my stupid actions. It has been a rollercoaster of a year for me, becoming unified world champion and on this occasion I’ve taken it too far.”
“I’m going to take some time off over Christmas to reflect on my actions and ensure it never happens again.”
“I want to thank my family, friends and fans for their continued support over the years and can assure them I will endeavor to live up to their expectations and make them proud once more.”
With the pressure of being a unified champion, and the recent dark cloud he has cast over himself, will Josh Taylor’s career take a nosedive or can he redeem himself in 2020?
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Josh Taylor)