Ekow Essuman Upsets Josh Taylor in Glasgow
Ekow Essuman defeated Josh Taylor by unanimous decision on May 24, 2025, at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland. The judges scored the 12-round welterweight bout 116-113, 116-112 and 115-113 for Essuman, who captured the vacant WBO Global welterweight title. It was Taylor’s first fight at welterweight and an upset in front of his home crowd.
Essuman turns the fight in the second half
Taylor made a sharp start, using his movement and accurate punches to take early rounds. Essuman gradually increased his pressure and work rate, making the contest more difficult as the rounds progressed. The fight went the full 12-round distance, and all three judges favored Essuman. Their scores were 116-113, 116-112 and 115-113.
The victory earned Essuman the vacant WBO Global welterweight belt. Taylor, a former undisputed super lightweight champion, was stepping up in weight for the first time. Reports noted a cut over Taylor’s left eye after a clash of heads, but the contest continued to the final bell. The official outcome was a points decision, not a stoppage.
A major result in Glasgow
Essuman entered the bout as the British and Commonwealth welterweight champion and traveled to Taylor’s home city for the challenge. The result improved his standing in a division where the former champion was seeking to establish himself at a new weight. The close scorecards reflect a competitive fight, while the unanimous verdict means each judge had Essuman ahead at the end.
Taylor’s loss followed setbacks against Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall, but any conclusion about retirement or his future plans requires a direct statement from Taylor or his team. No next opponent was confirmed in the result coverage. The verified takeaway is that Essuman won the vacant regional WBO belt by unanimous decision in a 12-round contest.
Official result
Ekow Essuman beat Josh Taylor by unanimous decision over 12 rounds at OVO Hydro. The scorecards were 116-113, 116-112 and 115-113. Essuman won the vacant WBO Global welterweight title.
Sources
Tags: MMA
