Josh Taylor vs. Ekow Essuman: Preview & Betting Tips

The shadow of Taylor’s prime looms large over this fight. The fighter who beat Jose Ramirez back in 2021 in Las Vegas would likely dispatch someone like Essuman with relative ease. But that fighter now feels like a really distant memory. Taylor’s form and reflexes have dulled, his output decreased, and his ability to dictate pace under pressure appears diminished.

Not being active, having fought just three times in a little over three years, is a huge reason for the Scotsman’s downfall. But, a large part of his inactivity is due to a number of injury issues.

If Essuman can keep the tempo high and extend exchanges in the later rounds, he could very well grind his way to a career-defining decision win. Essuman’s strengths are exactly what Taylor’s weakness is; Essuman loves to get up close and fight in a phone booth, right on your chest. Taylor hates that style when he’s being pushed back to the ropes. 

There’s no getting away from it: the former undisputed super-lightweight champ is no longer the best version of himself, but the question is just how much has he declined. That will be the telling factor in this one.

Taylor vs Essuman: Prediction & Betting Tips

Essuman is the calibre of fighter Taylor would have dispatched with relative ease in his prime, and it is a testament to Taylor’s decline that I see this fight being competitive. If my gut feeling is correct (that Taylor is nowhere near what he once was) then Taylor should consider calling it a day on a high.

However, if Taylor turns back the clock, he wins clearly. But if recent performances are a true reflection of where he’s at, Essuman has the gas tank and consistency to pull off the biggest win of his career.

I’m much more confident backing Ekow Essuman to win at 4.00 (Bet 365) than I am at backing the heavily favoured Taylor, whose level is now really unknown.

Either way, this feels like a defining moment for both men with Essuman seeking the biggest win of his career and Taylor potentially eyeing the exit door if things go wrong.