Josh Taylor wants Teofimo Lopez rematch and insists he would beat him but admits he has to get 'begging bowl out'

Josh admits he’s been left clutching a begging bowl after urging Teo Lopez to grant him a shot at winning his belts back, writes Andy Newport from New York .

The Scot surrendered his WBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight titles to the slick American in the early hours of Sunday morning. Their showdown at Madison Square Gardens was supposed to be a night that enshrined former undisputed champ Taylor’s legacy as he walked out at the Mecca of Boxing in New York.

But it turned out to be a nightmare as the Brooklyn brawler dominated on his way to securing an unanimous points win. The devastated Tartan Tornado admits he may have to step up to 147kg after complaining he lacked strength in his legs from the middle rounds onwards. But he’s willing to hang around at light welterweight if Lopez grants him a rematch. He said: “Listen, he’s the champion and he gets to decide what happens next. I’d love to do it again. The ball is in his court. If he wants to do it again, I’m up for it. I’d love to do it again - and I’d beat him the next time."

Taylor even paid a visit to his opponent’s dressing room after their bout, which was scored 115-113, 115-113, 117-111 in the American’s favour, to encourage a sequel. However, that appears unlikely with Lopez’ promoters Top Rank expected to pursue more lucrative fights on offer against American rivals. And Lopez, 25, says there’s even a chance he could opt for retirement after admitting he’s struggled to deal with strains of a messy divorce.

Taylor isn’t sure he believes that, saying: “Will he retire? Maybe. I know he’s got a lot of personal issues so you never now. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted to go fight Devin Haney and become undisputed world champion. The ball is in his