Andy Burke
BBC Scotland

The rewards awaiting Josh Taylor should he come through this mandatory defence of his WBA and IBF light welterweight titles are well known. A showdown with Jose Ramirez to unify the division and become Scotland’s first undisputed world champion since Ken Buchanan nearly a half-century ago. And beyond that, potential bouts against some of boxing’s biggest stars.

Apinun Khongsong, on paper, should provide little resistance. The Thai fighter can bang, we know that much, but Taylor’s boxing IQ should be too much for his unheralded opponent.

The fight before the big fight is notoriously tricky, but having spent time in the Taylor camp in the build-up, I could sense not even the slightest trace of complacency from the Scot or his new trainer, Ben Davison. I’m going for Taylor in six.

Josh Taylor will be involved in one of the "marquee fights of 2021" if he can beat Thailand's Apinun Khongsong tonight, says promoter Bob Arum.

Scotland's Taylor holds the WBA and IBF light welterweight titles and has been lined-up for a showdown with WBO and WBC champion Jose Ramirez.

That bout could be in Scotland, London or Las Vegas, the promoter says.

"Next year we plan to have him face Jose Ramirez. He doesn't care where the fight is," Arum said.

"Whether it means him going to Scotland, or London, or doing it back in the United States - wherever the fight makes the most sense, the fight will happen."

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Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to this evening's coverage of Scotland's Josh Taylor against the unbeaten Apinun Khongsong.

Prestonpans' Taylor is fighting for the first time since his win over Regis Prograis in October last year, and makes a mandatory defence of his WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles against 25-year-old Khongsong who, like Taylor, has won all of his 16 fights to date.

Unfortunately, there'll be no packed arena tonight which there usually is when Taylor fights. The bout takes place in a near-empty York Hall in London. Despite the lack of atmosphere, we're still expecting the same all-action performance from 29-year-old Taylor.

The ring walks should begin in about 30 minutes.

Image source, Queensberry Promotions