Big-time boxing returns to Scotland this weekend as Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions presents a stacked card from The SSE Hydro in Glasgow.
Several promising young Scottish and British fighters feature on the programme, with former world champion Josh Taylor the main attraction.
The Tartan Tornado, who once dominated the super lightweight division, makes his long-awaited debut at welterweight. How will the man from Edinburgh cope in the heavier category against naturally stronger opponents?
Fans will get an answer to that question on Saturday when a packed arena and millions more following the action live on DAZN witness Taylor’s comeback.
After losing back-to-back points decisions, Taylor knows Saturday is a must-win. He enjoys the backing of a fiercely loyal Scottish support, but the Botswana-born Essuman hasn’t travelled from his base in Nottingham simply to make up the numbers.
Who wins in Glasgow? Former professional fighter and talkSPORT’s boxing betting writer Frankie Monkhouse gives his expert preview and predictions. Following big profits on Chris Eubank Jr to beat Conor Benn on points, Saul Alvarez to out-point William Skull, and Dave Allen to get revenge over Johnny Fisher, our man aims for more profits from Taylor vs Essuman.
Keep reading for the latest form, stats and the most generous online betting odds from leading UK bookmakers.
Taylor vs Essuman odds
Do you expect Taylor to score his first win since beating Jack Catterall here on a split decision over three years ago? Perhaps you rate the chances of Essuman, who ducks between the ropes, as an underdog with bite?
The odds show bet365 traders strongly favour a home win for Taylor before a Scottish audience. That’s understandable, given the former unified world champion’s pedigree, but we must remember Josh is moving up a weight category and is untested in the division. That presents problems, and opponent Ekow is a natural welter with a record that shows Team Taylor shouldn’t take him lightly.
Taylor is an elite-level fighter with bags of experience. He dominated at light welter and plans to reach the top of the welterweight division. Does he have the hunger to start climbing the ranks again?
Followers want to see a Taylor that’s comfortable, strong, free from the stresses of making weight, and back to his best. If Josh can do that, he’ll give fight fans north of the border plenty more memorable nights.
Essuman comes with a professional boxing record showing just one defeat from 22 starts. The 36-year-old has won British, Commonwealth and European belts in recent years and is eager to test himself against a former world champion. Beat Taylor on Saturday in Glasgow, and Ekow will catapult himself towards the big fight and money-spinning nights.
Odds provided by bet365, which are correct at the time of writing, but please remember boxing betting prices can and often do change approaching the first bell.
Taylor vs Essuman outcome odds
Regular followers of my boxing previews and predictions for TalkSPORT know we’ve landed some excellent winners in recent times. But finding value when gambling on boxing is never easy.
Once again, the fight-winner betting isn’t as competitive as I would’ve liked, and there’s not much to get excited about if picking Taylor to win. But there are some interesting prices available in the specials and attractive gems if you’re willing to dig deep enough.
My favourite boxing betting market is the method of victory. With this approach, you’re challenged with predicting which fighter will win; Taylor or Essuman, and how they’ll get the result; on points or by KO/TKO. Predicting the method of victory is more challenging than calling the fight winner, but the odds are worth the risk.
In my many years boxing and then covering the sport for major publications, I’ve found that studying the stats often leads you to a strong bet in the method of victory. Do you expect a slug-fest? You can trust your selection to win by knockout. If you predict a cagey affair, you can play the points win.
Here’s the latest method of victory betting odds on Taylor vs Essuman.
Odds provided by bet365 are subject to change.
Taylor aims to show he’s a cut above
Josh Taylor prepares for his 22nd fight as a professional boxer with his record showing 19 wins against two defeats, with 13 scored inside the distance and two losses coming on the scorecards.
The talented southpaw, who famously won gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games before turning pro, quickly rose through the ranks at super lightweight, eventually winning a clutch of world titles, including the WBC and WBO gongs.
Taylor’s most notable wins came against Viktor Postol, Regis Prograis and Jack Catterall. The man from Edinburgh’s first taste of defeat was at the fists of Teofimo Lopes, losing a unanimous decision after 12 rounds at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA.
Since that reverse in the summer of 2023, Taylor has appeared only once, losing to Catterall in a controversial rematch. Many fans wanted to see the trilogy, but Taylor was forced to admit he couldn’t make the super lightweight limit any longer. It may still happen.
Since moving to welterweight, Taylor is ranked at number four in the UK and a lowly 19th in the world. That will all change if he wins in style this weekend. An all British showdown with Lewis Crocker or a clash with American Devin Haney is the dream. But Josh must show he’s meant for bigger and better things than Saturday’s challenge.
Stats:
- Age: 34 years old
- Height: 5′ 10″
- Weight: Welterweight
- Record: 19-2-0
Essuman plans to silence the crowd
Ekow Essuman travels to Glasgow with a boxing record showing 21 wins against one defeat. The 36-year-old has stopped just eight opponents to date, suggesting he isn’t the biggest puncher in the welterweight division.
But Ekow does possess an amazing work-rate, helping him drag opponents out of their comfort zone before over-whelming them in the later rounds. His style appeals to the judges, and there’s a lot for fans to like about Ekow. He plans to win in Scotland and leave with many new supporters.
Essuman is experienced at welterweight, and he’s currently ranked at number 11 in the UK and 69th in the world. Under normal circumstances, it would take the underdog two or more years to force his way into a position to challenge for major honours, and at 36 he doesn’t have time on his side. That means Team Ekow must gamble, taking a huge fight against a big name, knowing victory would help them jump the line.
We last saw Ekow when beating Ben Vaughan at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. That win, scored late last year, came on a majority decision, following a competitive ten rounds. Two of the three scorecards gave it to Essuman by margins of three and four rounds. Will he continue his winning form?
Stats:
- Age: 36 years old
- Height: 5′ 10″
- Weight: Welterrweight
- Record: 21-1-0
🥊 Taylor vs Essuman betting tips
Now we’ve set the scene for Saturday’s mouth-watering clash in Scotland’s biggest city, I’ll reveal my Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman betting predictions for TalkSPORT. I have selected three bets at a range of odds, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Josh Taylor win
I’ll keep things simple for my first pick and use the fight-winner market. Taylor’s best days are arguably behind him, but he has the skills, experience and ring IQ to ensure he’s a threat to the major names in the division.
He’s moving up, but Taylor will be faster, stronger and more comfortable at welterweight and it’ll show. If he’s anywhere near his best, Taylor will have too much for Essuman, and you can add the home win to your weekend accumulators.
➡️ Bet on Josh Taylor to win at 2/7 with bet365
Josh Taylor by KO/TKO
Much has been made of the risks associated with Taylor’s past weight issues, but I don’t believe fans have anything to worry about. The Tartan Tornado will find his range early and begin to catch his opponnet with powerful backhands.
Roared on my an incredible Scottish boxing crowd inside an iconic venue, Josh will find the gears and energy needed to break down a tough man in Ekow. Betting traders have Taylor on points as the most likely outcome, but he’s campaigned at a much higher level than Essuman and it’ll show.
➡️ Back Taylor to win by KO/TKO at 11/4 with bet365
Josh Taylor in rounds 10-12
My third and final pick from Saturday’s main event is one for lovers of big odds. We’ll need a rub of the green to get paid here, but the price is much bigger than I expected. Taylor is fast, accurate, fit and hits hard. His opponent is strong, organised and brave.
I expect Taylor to settle early and show his quality before going through the gears and scoring a late stoppage. With Essuman behind on the scorecards, he’ll roll the dice in the later rounds, and that’s when Taylor will strike.
➡️ Back Taylor to win in rounds 10-12 at 10/1 with bet365
📺 How to watch Taylor vs Essuman
- Location: The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland.
- Date and time: Saturday, 24th May 2025 at 22:00 GMT.
- How to watch: Live on DAZN
Taylor vs Essuman full card
- Josh Taylor vs Ekow Essuman – welterweight
- Nathaniel Collins vs Lee McGregor – featherweight
- Moses Itauma vs Mike Balogun – Heavyweight
- Aloys Youmbi vs David Jamieson – Cruiserweight
- Aston Brown vs Reece Porter – Middleweight
- Luke McCormack vs Samir Cuentas – Super lightweight
- Marcus Sutherland vs Dylan Nixon – Featherweight
- Alex Arthur vs Robbie Chapman – Super middleweight
- Lee Welsh vs Tony Morton – Lightweight
- Drew Limond vs Ezequiel Gregores – Welterweight
- Luke Bibby vs Cesar Ignacio Paredes – Lightweight
- Reece Lynch vs Jonatas Rodrigo Gomes de Oliveira – Super lightweight
About the author
Frank Monkhouse
Frank is a former professional boxer at the renowned TKO Gym in London who has transitioned his career into sports betting writing. He has worked with some of the leading names in the industry, including world-renowned bookmakers and ambitious affiliates. A student of the formbook, he leans heavily on the stats and trends to help find readers the value.
Follow Frank on X: @FMonkhouse
Frank Monkhouse LinkedIn
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
