WBA and IBF World Super Lightweight champion Scotland’s Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor defended his titles Saturday knocking out Thailand’s IBF’S No. 1 contender Apinun “Sakkreerin” Khongsong over ESPN+ at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, UK. It was a Top Rank – Bob Arum and Queensberry Promotions – Frank Warren co-promotion.

In the Main Event WBA and IBF Super World Super Lightweight champion southpaw Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor, 17-0 (13), #139 ¼, of Prestonpans, Scotland and IBF knocked out No. 1 ranked Apinun “Sakkreerin” Khongsong, 16-1 (13), #139 1/2, of Bangkok, Thailand, at 2:41 of a scheduled 12.

In the first round Taylor landed a left to the ribs dropping Khongsong for the count of referee Phil Edwards.

In the co-feature former WBC Flyweight champ NOW No.3 Bantam Charlie “The Eagle” Edwards, 16-1 (6), #117 1/2, of Croydon, London, UK, won a tough decision over Kyle Williams, 11-3 (3), #117 ¼, of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, UK, over 10 rounds.

Edwards jumped up two weight classes where he doesn’t belong. He used his jab while Williams did good body work. Referee Bob Williams somehow came up with a 99-91 while this writer 95-95.

WBO Euro Super Bantam champ David Oliver “The Punisher” Joyce, 12-2 (9), #121 ¼, of Mullingar, IRE, lost his title at 1:49 of the third round to Ionut “ll Capo” Baluta, 14-2 (3), #121 ¼, of Romania and Madrid, Spain, who scored a knockdown in the final round.

In the second round Baluta had Joyce cut on the right eyebrow and knocked him sideways in the final 20 seconds with a right to the jaw. In the third round Baluta dropped Joyce with a left hook on the canvas halfway through the round. He jumped on Joyce until referee Steve Gray wisely called a halt.

Super Welterweight George “Chief Force” Davey, 3-0 (0), #154 1/2, of York, Yorkshire, UK, defeated Jeff Thomas, 12-8-3 (1), #154 1/2, of Netherlands and Lytham St. Anne’s Lancashire, UK, over 4 rounds.

Ring Announcer Thomas Trieber