2026-04-26 13:30:38

Josh Taylor has sought solace in motorbikes after giving up boxing.

The 35-year-old Scotsman was forced to retire last year due to an eye injury and riding his beloved 600cc Yamaha R6 stops him from dwelling on how much he misses the sport and has also replaced the adrenaline rush of being in the ring.

He told Men’s Health magazine: “I’ve got a saying when I go out on my bike; obviously it’s a stupid saying but, ‘Take your brain out and put your helmet on.’

“Because if you start thinking about it, you get a bit, ‘Oh f***, I could kill myself here if something goes wrong.’ You just don’t think about that.

“It’s the same as boxing. You’re not going to say, ‘I might go out here tonight and get knocked out.’

“You never ever say that to yourself. You know the dangers, and you know it can happen, but you never go out and say it.

“That’s where the fear comes, and that’s where the adrenaline and excitement comes.”

Josh admitted the death of Ricky Hatton – who struggled with his mental health – last year has helped inspire him to keep moving forward because he can understand why ‘The Hitman’ was chasing glory again.

He said:” Every time I went for a big fight, there was this atmosphere, and then the party afterwards, and then you’re on the plane on the way home, and a big celebration, and then Sunday comes, you get home off the plane, you have a party with your home fans and pals.

“Then Monday comes, everybody’s back at work and you’re on your own and you hit a right downer.

“It’s like a major crash to earth. It’s f****** horrible.”

Josh has advised fellow boxers to speak out and ask for help if they find themselves struggling.

He said: “You’re a modern-day gladiator. You’re not really living up to the expectation of being a macho boxer if you’re moaning and crying about mental health.

“But if you’re struggling, try and speak to your friends or family, and then if that’s not working, reach out and speak to a professional.

“Certainly, don’t hold it in. The worst thing you can do is bottle it all up and wait for it to crack. That’s when bad things can happen.”

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