Undefeated heavyweight prospect Pryce Taylor returns to action on Saturday, May 9, at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta, GA, live on DAZN as part of the undercard for the IBF featherweight title bout between Angelo Leo and Ra’eese Aleem.
Taylor (11-0, 7 KOs) is a 29-year-old fighter from Brooklyn, NY, and is the latest name to be added to the mix of young heavyweights looking to become a big name in the future once the current regime hangs up their gloves. Before he can become part of more conversations within boxing circles, he must first get past Calvin Barnett (7-4, 4 KOs).
With Saturday’s fight quickly approaching, it was necessary to learn who Taylor the man is so fans tuning in can get a sense of who they are watching. “A very humble guy,” Taylor told FightsATW. “I’m the type of guy who loves to help. I think I’m the most genuine person around this age. A lot of people are scared to be genuine or helpful because they don’t have a lot of resources, or they are not strong enough. It’s hard to be genuine because people look at it as a weakness and something they can take advantage of. It’s my will to help.”
It’s only been three years since Taylor turned pro, as he began his career much later than most. His initial dream was to play in the NBA. When that didn’t work out, he decided to turn pro and pursue new goals.
“I was a basketball player my whole life,” said Taylor. “I thought I was going to go to the league (NBA). I could have gone to the league if I had done all the right things outside the gym, like doing homework. That stopped me from going to the league.”
Taylor would sign with Salita Promotions in 2024, which he felt was a good fit for him for reasons that may seem obvious to the typical fight fan but not so much to fighters today, namely staying busy with fights. “He (Dmitry Salita) was talking a good game, and he’s backing it up. The most important thing to me was getting those fights. As long as I don’t say no to fights, it’ll be easier to get them.”
On Saturday night, Taylor will face Barnett, marking his first scheduled 10-round bout. Taylor is well aware that at 29, he has to get going sooner rather than later and not waste any time. As he awaits his moment to get in the ring in Atlanta on Saturday night, outside of winning, Taylor has one thing on his mind, and that’s to entertain, as he knows that will bring him the notoriety necessary to reach the next level.
“I’m here for the thrill,” he said. “I’m here to entertain the fans and myself. I don’t want to be boring. I want people to know that Pryce Taylor is one of the best heavyweights in the world.”
In a heavyweight division poised for turnover in the next few years, Taylor is now in the prime position to gain the experience and wins needed to earn a spot in the heavyweight title picture down the road. With every fight critical to his progression and career, Taylor has to begin putting it together, and it all starts with his fight this Saturday on DAZN.
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