Josh Taylor vs. Ekow Essuman: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Taylor (19-2, 13 KOs), the former undisputed super lightweight world champion, is coming off a pair of unanimous decision losses — to Teofimo Lopez in June 2023 and in a rematch against Jack Catterall last May.

Meanwhile, Essuman (21-1, 8 KOs) delivered a majority decision win over Ben Vaughan in November.

With the urgency here for Taylor to snap his two-fight losing streak, DAZN News takes a look at who has the edge across three key categories heading into this bout.

Boxing styles

Behind a high, disciplined guard, Josh Taylor steps into his offense with a crisp double jab — the first of which is meant to simply touch his opponent, while the second lands with some pop.

Otherwise, 'The Tartan Tornado' is more than comfortable working from the backfoot and peppering opponents with well-timed counterpunches. It is almost like he does his best work while under pressure.

Taylor’s style could bode well against Ekow Essuman who works in and out with high-output pressure and a bounce to his step.

As Essuman is pressuring, Taylor can time his counterpunches to make him pay.

Or Essuman can overwhelm Taylor with volume.

One of these outcomes is likely.

Edge: Taylor

Power

Thirteen of Taylor’s 19 wins have come by way of knockout, but his last stoppage victory came back in September 2020 when he blasted Apinun Khongsong with a first-round KO.

Essuman’s last knockout had him rebounding from being knocked down by pinning Owen Cooper in the corner and unloading a barrage of punches for a rousing tenth round TKO in July.

When it comes to power, both Taylor and Essuman have it in different ways.

Taylor stays loaded off the backfoot, waiting to uncork that timed counterpunch that can be a fight-changing shot.

Essuman will drown out opponents with volume and force.

This category is a lot closer with Taylor getting the slight edge.

Edge: Taylor

Mental Warfare

Taylor’s experience includes clashing with current WBO and The Ring world champion Teofimo Lopez and a host of former titleholders such as Jose Ramirez, Regis Prograis, and Ivan Baranchyk. Then, there are his 24 rounds of war with Jack Catterall.

This body of work gives Taylor, the former undisputed super lightweight crown holder, a massive experience edge — and mental edge through it.

Essuman, who has had all of his pro fights in the United Kingdom, has never faced an opponent quite like Taylor.

Edge: Taylor

Who has the edge in Taylor vs Essuman?

DAZN News gives the edge to Taylor, 3-0, across these major categories. The former undisputed ruler is either going to show that his rebuilding mode is working effectively with a win, or Essuman is going to force him into pondering retirement with what would be a big upset.

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