Gutted Josh Taylor admitted he could offer "no excuses" after losing his undefeated career record in defeat to Teo Lopez following he judges' decision.
The Scot returned to actions for the first time since facing Jack Catterall in Glasgow 15 months ago where he defended his undisputed super-lightweight titles, but suffered the first defeat of his professional boxing career at Madison Square Garden. The Tartan Tornado battled through the 12 rounds before the judges awarded the fight to Lopez with the Brooklyn native taking home both the WBO Super Lightweight and Ring Magazine belts.
The Edinburgh fighter struggled to mount a defence for his performance Stateside - as he offered the American a rematch chance while also considering a move up in weight class after the loss. He said to Sky Sports: "No excuses. It wasn't my best, and the better man won on the night. I prepared to the best of my ability and I felt amazing in the gym, so I have no excuses.
"He was better on the night so congratulations to Teofimo. I thought it was a close fight and I would love to do that again. I know I'm better than that but the ball is in his court.
Asked if a lengthy absence from the ring impacted his performance, Taylor responded: "No the layoff had nothing to do with it. I've got no excuses, he was better on the night. I think probably I will most like be moving up to light-wleterwieght now but he was the better man on the night."
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