Glasgow’s OVO Hydro witnessed a massive upset on Saturday night as Ekow Essuman outboxed and outworked hometown hero Josh Taylor over twelve closely contested rounds, earning a unanimous decision win (116–112, 116–113, 115–112) that left the Tartan Tornado fuming — and fleeing the ring.

Taylor, now 34, was back in front of his loyal Scottish crowd for the first time in Three years, aiming to reignite his career after the controversial Teofimo Lopez loss. But instead of redemption, he ran into a composed and hungry Ekow Essuman — who picked his shots, boxed smart, and never let Taylor dictate the pace.

The post-fight scene was dramatic: Taylor exited the ring without speaking, leaving fans puzzled and pundits buzzing. But to his credit, he fronted up shortly after in a candid IFLTV interview, apologising and owning the moment with refreshing honesty.

“The support I’ve received and have had in the last ten years, the atmosphere they create in The Hydro, it means the world to me. The support they give me, how they make me feel when I accomplish things … I just want to take the opportunity to apologise for doing that. I didn’t want to say anything live on TV that I would maybe end up regretting.”

On the decision, Taylor admitted it was tight but didn’t see it being that wide:

“I thought halfway through the fight I was up and then the last couple of rounds got tight. I thought I could’ve maybe sealed the deal with the last round, but he ended up winning the last round. I thought it could be close or maybe he’s got it, but I didn’t think it could be that bloody much with the points … Congratulations to Ekow. Fought a great fight … Sorry again everybody for looking like a spoiled brat, it’s not a good look.”

Classy stuff in hindsight, even if the exit didn’t look great.

Essuman, who’s been quietly collecting belts at British and Commonwealth level, just proved he’s well beyond “European level” – despite Liam Smith's pre-fight jab suggesting otherwise. With this win, “The Engine” powers into world-level contention

As for Taylor, he made it clear he’s not done yet. “I'd like to do it again,” he said. Whether that’s a rematch with Essuman, a move up to 147 properly, or even a farewell fight back at The Hydro, remains to be seen. But at 34, he knows the clock's ticking.

What’s certain is that despite the loss, he still commands the crowd and the headlines. And Essuman? He just proved he belongs right there too.