South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield has tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament congratulating local boxing star Josh Taylor on his success in becoming undisputed world champion.

Mr Whitfield lodged the motion following Josh’s defeat of US fighter Jose Ramirez to hold all four belts in the super-lightweight division.

Congratulating Josh on his latest success, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“This latest victory has established Josh as one of the all-time greats of Scottish and British boxing. He has worked incredibly hard over the years to achieve this stunning level of success and thoroughly deserves all the plaudits he is receiving. He is an inspirational sporting figure and I’m sure that his achievements will encourage and inspire young people across Scotland and beyond to pursue their own sporting dreams.”

Mr Whitfield’s full motion is as follows:

Motion Number: S6M-00090
Lodged By: Martin Whitfield
Date Lodged: 24/05/2021

Title: Josh Taylor Undisputed World Champion

Motion Text:

That the Parliament congratulates boxer Josh Taylor on his latest outstanding success in defeating US fighter Jose Ramirez with a unanimous points victory to become undisputed super-lightweight champion of the world; notes that, in so doing, he has become only the fifth man, and the first British fighter, to claim the WBO, WBA, IBF and WBC titles simultaneously since the four-belt era officially began in 2004, and that his victory also makes him the first Scot to be undisputed world champion since Ken Buchanan some 50 years ago; believes that this achievement puts Josh firmly among the all-time greats of British boxing, as well as being an inspiration to young people in his home town of Prestonpans, East Lothian and across Scotland, and wishes him continued success with his formidable boxing career.