In the high-stakes arena of professional boxing, an athlete’s decision to retire often arrives cloaked in sentimentality, a poignant farewell to an illustrious career. Yet, for Josh Taylor, the Scottish undisputed super-lightweight champion, his recent announcement brought with it a distinct and somewhat unexpected undercurrent: relief. This feeling, it turns out, was not just for Taylor himself, but profoundly so for his long-time amateur coach, Terry McCormack, a constant presence since the earliest sparks of “The Tartan Tornado’s” remarkable journey.
Taylor, a formidable force who ascended to undisputed glory in a mere 18 professional bouts, made public his departure from the sport just over a week ago. The catalyst, as he candidly shared on social media, was a recurring eye issue—a persistent, unseen adversary more unyielding than any opponent he’d faced in the squared circle. While a rightful deluge of tributes has poured in for the 34-year-old’s impressive career, McCormack’s frank admission to the Edinburgh Evening News offers a unique, more personal lens on this pivotal transition.
The Weight of Worry: A Coach`s Silent Burden
“There is a relief because I know what he’s been going through in these last few training camps,” McCormack stated, a sentiment perhaps universally understood by anyone who has observed the brutal physical and mental toll boxing relentlessly exacts. The inherent, almost stubborn, drive of a fighter – that relentless pursuit of perfection and victory – frequently renders them impervious to the quiet protestations of their own body. McCormack acknowledged this unwavering stoicism with a touch of weary irony:
“I’m glad the doctors told him because it saved me doing so. He probably wouldn’t have listened because boxers just keep going.”
This candid revelation speaks volumes about the often-unseen burden carried by those in a coach’s corner. It highlights the constant tightrope walk between pushing an athlete to their absolute peak and safeguarding them from their own boundless ambition. The “sweet science,” as it`s often termed, is, at its core, a delicate balance of controlled violence and strategic prowess, yet beneath the surface lies the very real, ever-present threat of lasting physical consequences. For McCormack, the doctors’ decisive intervention was not a setback, but a timely reprieve, sparing him the unenviable task of advising his tenacious charge to step away from the sport he so passionately loved.
A Legacy Undisputed: Taylor`s Indelible Mark on History
Taylor’s career zenith arrived in May 2021, a night now indelibly etched into the annals of British boxing history. His masterful triumph over Jose Carlos Ramirez not only unified all four major world titles at 140 pounds but also cemented his status as the first British fighter in the modern era to achieve such an undisputed feat. It was a remarkable, almost meteoric, ascension, characterized by relentless pressure, surgical technique, and an unshakeable will to win.
His achievements have, predictably, already ignited robust debate among boxing pundits regarding his ultimate place in the pantheon of British greats. Steve Bunce, a respected boxing columnist, has firmly placed Taylor within the top 15 British boxers of all time. But for McCormack, who meticulously watched Taylor evolve from a raw, promising amateur to a world-beating professional, the assessment is both more localized and profoundly personal. He firmly believes Taylor stands shoulder-to-shoulder with, or perhaps even eclipses, the revered Edinburgh native and Scottish boxing legend, Ken Buchanan.
“Josh is on par with Kenny Buchanan, if not better,” McCormack asserted. “That’s for the people to decide but I’d go with Josh. I’m maybe biased but that’s my opinion.”
This comparison, deeply rooted in local pride and intimate knowledge, powerfully underscores the profound impact Taylor has had on the sport. It also subtly touches upon a familiar narrative in boxing history: the often-delayed onset of true recognition. “Ken Buchanan didn’t get the recognition until he retired and that could be the same with Josh,” McCormack mused. It`s a poignant observation, suggesting that sometimes, the true, enduring magnitude of an athlete`s contributions only truly crystallizes once the roar of the crowd fades, and the dust gently settles on their completed career.
The Quiet After The Storm
Josh Taylor’s retirement marks the definitive end of an extraordinary, whirlwind chapter in British boxing. For his legions of supporters, it’s a moment to reflect on thrilling victories, audacious ambition, and unyielding grit. For his former coach, however, it’s a moment of profound relief – a quiet, almost understated, acknowledgment that the fight, for now, is truly, finally over. The Tartan Tornado may have ceased his destructive whirlwind, but the enduring legacy of his undisputed reign and the quiet dignity of a career concluded with health and well-being in mind will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
Tristan Blackwood