Josh Taylor issues apology for hasty Hydro exit after Ekow Essuman defeat as fans left to ponder one thing

The Tartan Tornado suffered his third consecutive defeat in Glasgow after stepping up to welterweight

Josh Taylor has apologised to fans for his sharp exit from the Hydro – but the former undisputed champ is leaving supporters guessing about his future.

The 34-year-old made a hasty departure from the ring following his points defeat to Ekow Essuman after stepping up to welterweight.

The Tartan Tornado is licking his wounds following three defeats on the spin on the back of his incredible rise to undisputed king inside just 18 fights.

Taylor paid tribute to the punters who have backed his charge to the top of the fight game.

But he fell short of confirming whether he’d fight on.

Taylor – posting on his social media – said: “I would just like to apologise to all the fans last night for leaving the ring before having an interview and before taking the time to thank you all for showing up and showing out, as you always have done over the past 10 years.

“I headed to the changing rooms because I did not want to say something in the heat of the moment or that I’d later regret on live television.

“Your support means the world to me and you’ve created wonderful memories for me that will stay with me until the day I die.

“You’ve all helped to create some incredible moments in my life and despite the result, last night was another special night that was right up there, so thank each and every one of you.

“Thank you to Queensberry for bringing a big show back to Scotland and to Ekow once again on the victory.”

Taylor’s close pal and former world champion Carl Frampton admitted it looks like the end of the road for the Prestonpans warrior.

He said: “I seen glimpses of real good stuff at the start from Josh and then it just started to fade in the second half and just sadly, it looks like he’s not the fighter that he once was and that’s what happens when you’re involved in hard fights and you get older.

“It happened to me and it happens to us all. It’s a shame to see, a real shame to see.

“But again, like I’ve always said about Josh, he’s someone who never got the credit he deserved when he should have had it.

“The guy should have been Sports Personality of the Year.

“Incredible, what he did when he became undisputed and who he fought to win it and how quickly he did it in his career.

“But it’s clear to say that he’s not the fighter that he used to be.”

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