Who is Ekow Essuman? Fight record, stats, next bout and more

As Taylor-Essuman draws closer, who is in the opposite corner to the Scots man?

Ekow Essuman could prove a tricky test for Taylor on the latter’s welterweight debut (Getty)

Josh Taylor makes a foray into the welterweight division to fight Ekow Essuman at the OVO Hydro Arena in Glasgow this weekend live on DAZN.

The Scot leaves his former 140lbs kingdom behind after back-to-back losses to Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall.

Catch all the latest boxing action on DAZN

Ahead of him is staunch opposition in the form of WBO European titleholder, Ekow Essuman, a former British champion with only one blemish on his record.

DAZN has everything you need to know about Essuman ahead of his clash with Taylor.

Who is Ekow Essuman?

• Nationality: British
• Age: 36
• Height: 5’ 10”

What is Ekow Essuman’s record?

Before turning pro, Essuman was a well-regarded amateur who boxed internationally alongside studying for a marketing, design and communications degree.

But the Nottingham man was destined for the professional ranks with his coaches telling him had a style suited for the paid game.

Essuman told FightPost in 2020: “As an amateur, coaches always regarded my style as more of a professional style than an amateur point scoring style.”

The Botswanan-born Brit made his debut in 2016 by beating Andrej Cepur on points in Birmingham. He would continue unbeaten, claiming the English welterweight title in 2018 by knocking out Andy Keates in the fifth round.

After four fights, including two defences of his English title, Essuman collected another belt by outpointing Cedrick Peynaud at York Hall to become the IBF European welterweight champion in 2020.

The British and Commonwealth titles were next for Essuman who broke Chris Jenkins’s ribs on his way to an eighth-round stoppage at Wembley Arena.

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Now in possession of three titles and becoming a name in the welterweight division, the Nottingham fighter made four successful defences of his trinkets before he suffered an upset defeat to Harry Scarff on points in 2023.

Essuman took eight months out of the ring before returning in 2024 to claim the WBO European title by stopping Owen Cooper in the tenth round. He has since beaten Ben Vaughan to remain in possession of his title.

• Total fights: 22
• Wins: 21
• Losses: 1
• Knockouts: 8
• Rounds: 163

When is Ekow Essuman’s next fight?

Ekow Essuman returns to the ring this weekend to initiate Josh Taylor into the welterweight ranks, away from home, at the OVO Hydro Arena.

The pair will headline the card promoted by Queensberry Promotions. The fights will be shown live on DAZN with coverage for the main card starting at 7pm BST.

Watch the very best boxing with a DAZN subscription

DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world's best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more.

An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that's just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month.

A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts.

For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up click here.