Frampton backs Taylor for Hall of Fame recognition after retirement call

Josh Taylor deserves to be recognised by the International Boxing Hall of Fame for his achievements, believes Carl Frampton as the Scotsman retires from the sport.

'The Tartan Tornado', a Team GB athlete-turned-undisputed light welterweight champion, announced he would step away from the ring on Monday on medical grounds.

Taylor, who recorded 19 wins, 13 knockouts and three losses across a 22-fight professional career, last fought against Ekow Essuman in May, where he lost by unanimous decision.

But his success as the only British male boxer to sweep a full division deserves plaudits according to Frampton, who shared trainer Shane McGuigan during their careers.

"Josh should be proud of everything he's done in his career, especially becoming an undisputed champion," he told BBC Scotland.

"We see how much of a big deal it is that people make of the undisputed heavyweight champion when Oleksander Usyk beat Daniel Dubois at the weekend.

"Josh Taylor was undisputed in 18 fights - that's unbelievable. Hard to fathom, really. So I think that's what people should remember Josh for.

"It literally doesn't happen unless you're someone like a Vasiliy Lomachenko or a Usyk or someone like that. That's the calibre of fighter that achieves this.

"Josh Taylor becoming undisputed champion in 18 fights in a marquee division, not down at light-flyweight where nobody fights or anything like that, a marquee division, should be recognised as one of the great British sporting feats ever.

"Undisputed light-welterweight champion in 18 fights is Hall of Fame behaviour, I think. I was there the whole way, pretty much. Josh is a great friend of mine.

"He's a good person as well. And he does a lot of good things behind the scenes, which people don't see. Josh is just a good fella.

"I'm very, very proud that I was able to witness some of his greatness up close and personal."

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