Anthony Taylor defeated Salt Papi by way of unanimous choice in a veteran's efficiency in one more entertaining battle on the Misfits Boxing 7 card. Unfortunately for Papi, he will probably be pressured to return to the drafting board after build up loads of hype previous to the competition earlier than he was summoned to an uncomfortable defeat.

Taylor opened up proceedings with an enormous proper hand that snapped again Papi's head. But the Filipino puncher responded in effective vogue with two sharp hooks that discovered their house with vengeance.

Papi, rising in confidence, took to the entrance foot and seemed to fireplace house his trademark left cross from the southpaw stance. When it did land it appeared to hassle Taylor however the MMA veteran stayed on his ft.

In the second spherical, Taylor began to arrange the overhand with a stiff jab to the physique however his choice to field largely with singles made him inclined to Papi's counters.

Showing his expertise because the spherical wore on, Taylor started to smother Papi's pictures with efficient clinch work and managed to get off just a few respectable flurries within the pocket.

In the third and last spherical, Taylor got here out bouncing on his toes and repeatedly closed the gap with a looping overhand proper. Papi started to visibly battle with the American's depth and his awkward herky-jerky motion turned tougher and tougher to learn. Papi ended up ready too lengthy for his openings and ate a number of

Over and over once more, Taylor landed a number of unorthodox pictures within the clearest spherical of the battle that means the judges might be left in little doubt.

It's a significant setback for Papi, who had been decided to safe a blockbuster showdown with KSI ought to he be victorious in the principle occasion towards Joe Fournier.

But now Taylor is about to gatecrash these plans and now he's concentrating on a mega showdown with KSI after backing Fournier to lose.

"Joe Fournier is going to lose. When was the last time he fought? It's been two or three years. Look at his record," Taylor mentioned pre-fight.

"I don't want to say he's been rigging his fights, that sounds criminalising and that's not what I mean. He's picked opponents that he can beat - mainly journeymen who he's probably paid approximately £3,000 for who have no chance of beating him. In that respect, he's bought his wins.

"If you pay them sufficient cash, they will come to battle, however they will not win. Look at his final battle, he fought a Colombian singer.

"KSI is no singer, we know that from his music, but he has been training non-stop, gaining experience in the ring. I think it will go the distance but it's KSI's fight for me. Activity will be the difference."

Taylor, who was crushed by Tommy Fury in 2021, has precipitated a stir inside boxing circles this week after difficult David Haye to an exhibition.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the previous WBA heavyweight champion had little interest in stepping as much as the plate as he claims he has aged and that Taylor is of little relevance.

The American was persistent together with his makes an attempt to arrange a battle with the Haymaker however he didn't budge from his place.