Josh Taylor making plans to face Apinun Khongsong without new trainer Ben Davison

Ben Davison could be at Saunders fight when Capital boxer takes on Thai fighter
Ben Davison (left) and Josh Taylor during the press conference to launch the May 2 fight with Apinun KhongsongBen Davison (left) and Josh Taylor during the press conference to launch the May 2 fight with Apinun Khongsong
Ben Davison (left) and Josh Taylor during the press conference to launch the May 2 fight with Apinun Khongsong

Josh Taylor may have to face Apinun Khongsong without new trainer Ben Davison, according to reports.

The Prestonpans puncher, who teamed up with Tyson Fury’s former coach earlier this month, will put his WBA and IBF belts on the line when he faces the undefeated 23-year-old at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday May 2.

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But Davison also looks after Billy Joe Saunders and according to the Daily Mail, talks are under way over a potential superfight between the WBO super-middleweight boxer and Mexican fighter Canelo Alvarez in the USA – tentatively planned for the same time as Taylor’s fight with Khongsong.

Saunders’ promoter Eddie Hearn claims a deal is yet to be struck with Canelo but it is understood that Taylor is already making contingency plans if the fight goes ahead and Davison remains stateside.

Amateur trainer Terry McCormack has been part of the Capital boxer’s backroom team since Taylor turned pro and is in place to action Davison’s plans if required.

Speaking on Wednesday, Taylor said: “Ben is still working with Billy Joe and we don't know what’s happening with the Canelo fight, so we’re playing it by ear.

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“If it’s on May 2, we have a solution in place. I’d have Terry and Jimmy [Tibbs, veteran cornerman] in there, who I’ve worked with for years, so there’s a lot of experience there.

“If that fight comes off for Billy Joe, I’ll do my training with the Ben in Manchester until they head out and then I’ll bring Terry down to finish off my sparring. We didn’t know this might happen until a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s a bit of a vblow with this being our first fight together, but you just get on with it. We'll prepare well and Terry will know what we’re working on – it’s not like they are strangers.

“i’ve known Terry since I was 16 and I’ve worked with Jimmy since my third fight.”

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Davison is currently poring over clips of Khongsong in action and vowed that no risks will be taken, adding: “He’s a good fighter. He’s had 100 Muay Thai and amateur fights and been through fighting schiool in Thailand so he is born and bred in it.

Taylor yesterday told the Evening News he would understimate his opponent, saying: “On paper it looks like it should be an easy night’s work.

“But you can’t judge a book by its cover. I’ve got to keep my focus and give him respect. He’s 16-0 with 13 knock-outs so he obviously carries a bit power. He looks tall for the weight so it’s hard to judge him.

“I’m going to have to watch what I’m doing because if I don’t get past him then it shatters all my dreams and ambitions.”