Josh Taylor has reiterated that he has no excuses following his defeat to Teofimo Lopez on June 10th and that the better man had simply won on the night in a comprehensive victory for Lopez at the Theater at MSG in New York.
Lopez ultimately outfought and countered Taylor, with many industry figures tipping the now-dethroned WBO world junior-lightweight world champion. After twelve-championship rounds, Lopez would claim a unanimous points verdict with scores of 115-113 twice and a sole score of 117-111, which was more reflective of the fight itself.
Taylor immediately post fight would call for a rematch when interviewed by broadcasters ESPN but refused to use excuses to deflect credit away from Lopez for his efforts in victory.
“No excuses," said Taylor. "It wasn’t my best. The better man won tonight. I’ve got no excuses. I fought to the best of my ability. He was better than me tonight. It is what it is. Congratulations to Teofimo.
“I thought it was a close fight. I’d love to do it again. I definitely know I’m better than that, and I know I can beat him still. I’d love to do it again. But he’s the champ, so the ball is in his court."
Josh reiterated those sentiments on social media as he praised Teofimo further along with Taylor’s training team.
It is now unclear what the next steps for Taylor are moving forward, it is speculated that a move to welterweight might be in the offering after spending his whole career at 140lbs which was highlighted by becoming undisputed world champion in 2021 by defeating Jose Ramirez.
In contrast to the 32-year-old Taylor, Lopez (25), as earlier reported immediately reported the post-fight, is considering his future in the sport and claimed that he has now retired on social media after becoming a two-weight world champion with lineal status.