Scotland's capital city gears up for huge weekend of sport

Scotland's capital city is gearing up for one of the biggest weekends of sport in living memory.

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Not only are the cabbage and ribs in the showpiece event of the Scottish footballing calendar but one of their own will also be fighting for glory and the chance to become the first ever undefeated, unified champion of the four belt era in British boxing history.

At times it has felt as though Edinburgh has lived in our neighbour Glasgow’s sporting shadow but on May 22 all eyes will be on the capital to see if two titans of Edinburgh can return home victorious.

For Hibs fans it must feel like waiting for a 26 bus, as the people’s Republic of Leith had to wait for over a century for their team to bring home the Scottish Cup in 2016, and now they have an opportunity to add to that success by putting stake a claim as a golden generation for the Hibees.

But Jack Ross’s side will be cautious, they know that they are up against a tough test in St Johnstone who have found success through a disciplined winning formula - not to mention the Pertshire side will be going for a domestic cup double, something unheard of outside of the Old Firm.

Preparation for the final could have gotten off to a better start after Hibs fans were left furious at the measly 300 ticket allocation afforded to them.

Although as per usual the supporters of the club rallied together with a positive reaction by suggesting tickets go to key workers or the family of the players - doing justice to their sense of community.

'Nae fears' - Josh is up for the biggest fight of his life

There will be no doubt that come 2pm on May 22 the green half of Edinburgh will be willing their team on with all their might, regardless of the fact they will not be at Hampden.

What a sight it would be if the B’allon Doidge could bundle home a late winner and the Scottish Cup arrives in Edinburgh at about the same time Josh Taylor begins to prepare for battle.

A very different challenge lies in wake for the Tartan Tornado.

Having been in Mexico at a training camp for weeks now, the excitement is palpable and Taylor looks like he is in the best shape of his career.

Can any Hibs player follow legend David Gray into Hampden folklore?

Taylor has put Scotland at the centre of the boxing world by never shying away from his heritage. The former Commonwealth games competitor placed the Saltire flag upon the rafters of the gym so that it may continue to fly there and be a reminder to those in Mexico that Scotland can Boogie.

The former junior taekwondo champion has his sights fixed heavily on emulating the great Terrance Crawford who unified the division in 2017 and has had the Gipsy King whispering advice in his ear throughout camp.

The Prestonpans puncher has looked like he has enjoyed every second across the pond, from delivering body blows to Tyson Fury to getting a taste for fast cars and North American mansions.

And last week ESPN released the first part of the Blood, Sweat and Tears: Ramirez vs Taylor.

Buckle up your belts for a wild weekend of sport

The series explores the rise of both fighters and looks at the monumental meeting as the rare spectacle that it is, two fighters who have climbed through the ranks the hard way and will look to make history for their countries.

The light welterweight champion has recently acquired Ben Davison as his new trainer having switched from Shane McGuigan and Taylor says he has never felt better.

He will have to be cautious as Ramirez is known for his heart and relentless approach, not to mention the fact he was formerly coached by one of the greatest trainers in the last three decades - Freddie Roach.

Taylor’s fight will be live on ESPN and ESPN+ but is expected to be in the wee hours on Sunday 23 as it is set to take place in Vegas. Whereas Hibs vs St Johnstone will take place at 2pm and will be live on the BBC.

May 22 will live in infamy in the hearts and minds of Edinburgh residents if both the cabbage and the Tartan Tornado return victorious. Oh what a night it could be.

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