Taylor, who had been inactive for 15 months, said: "It wasn't my best. The better man won tonight. I've got no excuses. I fought to the best of my ability. He was better than me tonight. It is what it is. Congratulations to Teofimo.
Building a legacy
The Top Rank fighter had emerged as a major player in the junior welterweight division in 2018, claiming an impressive unanimous decision over the former world champion, Viktor Postol.
Taylor followed that success up by claiming not one, but two world titles in 2019, first defeating Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF title in May, before adding the WBC strap in the final of the World Boxing Super Series five months later with a battling majority decision win over Regis Prograis at the O2 Arena.
Under the experienced guidance of Top Rank, he switched to trainer Ben Davison following a split with Shane McGuigan, Taylor became undisputed champion at 140 pounds by beating Jose Ramirez on points.
After Ramirez came Englishman Jack Catterall in February 2022.
Catterall controversy
BOXXER's Ben Shalom said of the decision: "I'm actually embarrassed because I'm promoting this even. That's heartbreaking for Jack. I'm embarrasse. If there's not an inquest, it's gonna harm the sport. I'm not just embarrassed, I'm really angry."
Who will Taylor fight next?
Josh Taylor immediately spoke about a potential rematch with Teofimo Lopez after defeat in New York in June 2023. But moving up to welterweight is also an option for the Scot.
The greatest hits
Despite being just 20 fights into his professional career, Taylor has already ensured his place in the Scottish boxing hall of fame following a truly rapid rise to prominence in the junior welterweight weight class.
In just his 13th paid fight, Taylor retained his WBC Silver title in defeating former world champion, Viktor Postol by a well-deserved, unanimous decision.
Postol, a winner over notable names including Lucas Matthysse, had just one blot on his fighting resume, that of a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford.
However, despite boasting far more experience than the Scot, Taylor would emerge with the unanimous verdict - 118-110, 117-110 and 119-108.
Josh Taylor (right) and Regis Prograis during the super-lightweight unification at the O2 Arena, London.
While the American Prograis came in as a slight betting favourite, it would be Taylor who would emerge victorious following a thrilling majority decision verdict, with the judges scoring it 114-114, 115-113, 117-112 in the Scotsman's favour.
Prograis had started the bout in composed fashion, the "Tartan Tornado" turned on the heat as the contest edged into the decisive championship rounds, hurting the American with solid blows in each of the eighth, ninth and 10th rounds.
In a fight where both combatants had shown their class, this was a truly memorable occasion at the O2 Arena.
Despite Taylor deserved of the judge's verdict, a right eye that had been swollen completely shut, illustrated the ferocity of the combat that the Scot had endured during 12 punishing rounds with the skilled American.
Only four years into his professional career, Taylor had emerged as a two-time world champion and the third ever winner of the Muhammad Ali Trophy and with it, a place in the hearts of Scottish fight fans for years to come.
Amateur career
Josh Taylor's net worth
Despite a relatively short career, Taylor has already earned some decent money in the sport with a reported net worth approaching £4million.
Having picked up an estimated £1million for his bouts with Prograis and Apinun Khongsong, the Scotsman is now set for some significant paydays with Top Rank.