Bernard Taylor (boxer)

Bernard Taylor
Medal record
Representing  United States
Men's Boxing
Pan American Games
1975 Mexico City Bantamweight
1979 San Juan Featherweight

Bernard Taylor (born 1957-06-26 in Charlotte, NC) "The B.T. Express" is a retired boxer from the United States, who competed in the featherweight (– 57 kg) division.

Amateur career

Taylor had an incredible career as an amateur boxer, compiling a record of 481-8. Taylor did not compete in the Olympics, due to the U. S. boycott.

Amateur Highlights

Professional career

Taylor turned pro in 1980 and was undefeated in 18 fights when he was given a shot at Panama's Eusebio Pedroza for the W.B.A. featherweight championship of the world. The fight took place in Taylor's hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina in October 1982. After building a lead in the first ten rounds of the fight, Taylor faded down the stretch and had to settle for a draw. 3 years later, Taylor was still undefeated in 34 fights (33-0-1) when he was given another shot at the W.B.A. featherweight championship. This time, the champion was Ireland's Barry McGuigan, who had dethroned Pedroza 3 months earlier. Taylor failed to come out for the 8th round, and lost via TKO. After several years and a couple of lengthy layoffs, Taylor earned a 3rd opportunity at a world championship against IBF junior lightweight champion John John Molina in 1993. Taylor again came up short via TKO in the 8th round. He retired following a loss in his next bout in 1994. Taylor did manage to win the NABF featherweight and the USBA junior lightweight titles, coming from behind to stop Calvin Grove in the latter fight.

References

Achievements
Preceded by
Calvin Grove		 USBA Super Featherweight Champion
February 8, 1990 - February 20, 1994 		Succeeded by
Pete Taliaferro


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