Josh Taylor returned to the ring in grand style and demonstrated why he is the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Lightweight Champion by knocking out Thai Apinun Khongsong in one round at the York Hall in London, England.

The Scottish boxer landed a left hook to the Thai’s body and sent him to the canvas writhing in pain and with no chance of regaining consciousness as the referee gave the 10-second countdown. The knockout was decreed with 19 seconds remaining in the opening round in a masterful performance by the champion.

The first round was not too exciting. Both fighters were at a distance and studying each other most of the time, but during an exchange, Taylor’s punch ended the fight early.

It was the first title defense for the Briton, who had last stepped into the ring in October 2019 when he defeated Regis Prograis and won the black and gold belt in the World Boxing Super Series final.

Taylor remains undefeated in his career with 17 fights, 13 won by KO, and stressed that he now wants the fight for all the 140-pound titles against Jose Carlos Ramirez.