The first strike of British boxer Taylor proved to be fatal for his opponent from Latvia.
On the evening of September 12, 2020, the boxing world witnessed an intense and thrilling match between British boxer Josh Taylor and Latvian boxer Apinun Khongsong. The highly anticipated fight took place at the BT Sport Studio in London, England, and was the first major boxing event to be held in the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Taylor and Khongsong entered the ring with impressive records, making it a highly anticipated match. Taylor, the current IBF and WBA super lightweight champion, had an undefeated record of 16 wins with 12 knockouts. Khongsong, on the other hand, had an impressive record of 16 wins with 13 knockouts and was the mandatory challenger for Taylor’s titles.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the two boxers faced off in the center of the ring. The tension was palpable as both fighters were determined to come out on top. However, it was Taylor who made the first move, unleashing a powerful left hook that caught Khongsong off guard. The Latvian boxer was unable to recover from the blow and was knocked out cold, just 2 minutes and 41 seconds into the first round.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Taylor was declared the winner by knockout, retaining his titles and extending his undefeated record. It was a stunning victory for the British boxer, who proved once again why he is considered one of the best in the super lightweight division.
For Khongsong, it was a devastating loss, and the first defeat of his professional career. The 24-year-old Latvian boxer had shown great promise in his previous fights, but unfortunately, he was unable to withstand the power and precision of Taylor’s punches.
In the post-fight interview, Taylor expressed his respect for Khongsong and acknowledged that he was a tough opponent. «I have a lot of respect for Apinun, he’s a strong fighter and I knew I had to be at my best to beat him,» said Taylor. «I’m just happy I was able to get the job done and retain my titles.»
The victory over Khongsong solidified Taylor’s position as one of the top boxers in the world. With an impressive record and a string of victories against tough opponents, he has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the super lightweight division.
But this victory was not just about retaining titles and extending an undefeated record. It was also a statement from Taylor, who has been vocal about his desire to unify the super lightweight division. With this win, he has set his sights on facing the other champions in the division, including WBC and WBO titleholders Jose Ramirez and Regis Prograis.
The boxing world is eagerly anticipating these potential matchups, and Taylor’s performance against Khongsong has only added to the excitement. His power, speed, and precision in the ring have made him a fan favorite, and his determination to unify the division has earned him the respect of his peers.
In conclusion, the first strike of British boxer Josh Taylor proved to be the defining moment of the match against Latvian boxer Apinun Khongsong. It was a stunning victory for Taylor, who retained his titles and extended his undefeated record. While it was a devastating loss for Khongsong, it was a testament to Taylor’s skill and determination in the ring. With this victory, Taylor has solidified his position as one of the top boxers in the world and has set his sights on unifying the super lightweight division. The boxing world eagerly awaits his next move, and there is no doubt that he will continue to impress and inspire with his performances in the ring.
