interview with "prizefighter prospect" (boxrec)

Being tagged as the first ever “Prizefighter prospect” has come as welcome news for Ryan Taylor who makes his professional debut ahead of the Prizefighter Light-middleweights main action on the Thursday 15th September.

Ryan is trained by Tony Sims in Hainault and is lucky enough to share a gym with quality fighters such as Darren Barker and Lee Purdy. The 23 year old Londoner, who likes to be know as 'Crash Bang', will be competing in the lightweight division.

What made you want to start boxing?
I always did physical sports as a kid, I started Karate at six and I got my black belt in that and then I just wanted to box. My dad took me to a load of boxing shows so I could see what the sport was all about and after going to the shows I still wanted to do it. Then he took me to meet Joey Chapman who ran Newham boxing gym and I haven’t looked back since.

Did you have a boxing idol when you were younger?
I used to like watching all sorts of fighters but if I have to say my favourites they would be Diego Corrales who I liked for the amount of heart he used to show in his fights. I also liked Mike McCallum and Gerald McClellan.

Did you do much amateur boxing?
I started at 12 years old and had about 35 fights for Newham, winning five titles along the way and making a few national finals. Then I got a job in north London so had to move gyms to Haringey which was closer for me. I had around 35 fights for them too. Then after I finished my engineering apprenticeship I went to New York to fight there, I was living and training in the Bronx and took part in their Golden Gloves tournament which was a great experience. Then I came back to England and fought for West Leeds ABC who I got to the national quarter finals of the ABA’s with.

How did you know the time is right to turn pro?
I had completed my apprenticeship and had been to New York, basically I had done everything I wanted to as an amateur and felt I had enough experience to go professional.

Do you see a difference in the pro/amateur game?
I used to train with a lot of pro’s so there wont be a big difference for me. I do think the training is a lot longer and harder. It’s a lot more about sitting down on your shots in the pro’s and showing effective ring aggression.

Do you work full time alongside boxing?
I have completed my four year engineering apprenticeship but in the pro’s I wanted to train in the day so couldn’t I work full time. So I had to walk away from the job which is a shame because the people there were great. I’m working part time at the moment for my dads company to get some income.

What sort of fighting style do you have?
They tell me in the gym that I am a box-puncher.

What ambitions/expectations do you have for your pro career?
I want to keep improving as I progress and I hope one day I could win a British title.

If your planning on attending the next Prizefighter on September 15 at York Hall, Bethnal Green, make sure you get there in plenty of time so you don’t miss Ryan’s highly anticipated debut.


just thought i'd post this for those interested.