Liam Taylor reveals life event that improved his career
Liam Taylor credits wife and newfound focus ahead of British title clash with Conah Walker
Liam Taylor will enter his British title shot against Conah Walker with a renewed sense of purpose after revealing that getting married last year has given him extra incentive to succeed.
Six years on from his last challenge for a Lonsdale belt, which ended in a heartbreaking draw, the vastly experienced welterweight faces the reigning champion from Wolverhampton on the undercard of Galal Yafai’s bout against Francisco Rodriguez Jr in Birmingham this weekend.
Although Walker is set to enjoy the backing of a fiercely partisan following at the Resorts World Arena, Taylor, from Greater Manchester, is quietly confident of defeating his opponent - crediting wife Sofia with ensuring he is now mentally as well as physically equipped to translate his skills into sporting success.
“I got married in August and the planning went on for 18 months,” Taylor explained, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com.
“It was a big one, a really huge event, because the wife’s family is massive. It was a great celebration though, well worth it, and we loved being together as a couple and sharing that with all our friends and loved ones.
“The thing is, though, all of that has given me an ever better sense of perspective. Seriously, it has.
“I know my career in boxing isn’t going to last forever. So now, because I’m focusing on our future together and making sure we can have the best life possible together, I want to get the most out of it that I can.
“I want to squeeze every last drop out of it and make everything count.”
Now aged 34, Taylor appeared on the cusp of beating Jenkins when they fought in the same city which stages his upcoming bout against Walker in 2019. But the bout ended in a technical draw when the Welshman suffered a bad cut, and the rematch Taylor was promised never materialised.
Largely competing on small hall shows since then - winning the WBO European strap at Bolton’s Whites Hotel - Taylor had good reason to feel aggrieved about the opportunities he was being granted until appearing on the same Matchroom card which heralded Pat Brown’s entrance into the professional ranks three months ago.
A tilt at David Avenesyan’s EBU crown, inside Wembley Arena, has been the exception rather than the rule despite Taylor’s talent and skill set.
“My wife is a massive part of my team,” Taylor continued.
“She’s also a qualified barrister and, let’s be honest, that’s not a bad thing to have behind you in this business. She is the one who really gets me on the good bills.
“We’re both doing very different things, but we’ve got the same drive. We’re both very driven and it works because we both appreciate the sacrifices each other have to make.”
Walker, however, will be a formidable foe - proving his toughness and durability by stunning Harry Scarff earlier this year to secure the BBBofC prize. Scarff had dominated their contest until a huge right hand in the 11th sent him crashing to the canvas.
Like Taylor, Walker also boasts an intriguing backstory having spent time in custody as a youngster before returning to boxing and turning his life around.
“My wife took me to Iceland for a birthday last year as a surprise and things like that help as well,” Taylor said.
“We had an amazing time and things like that also give you a perspective. I found it a fascinating place and it’s good to have interests outside of sport because you realise, to be honest, life doesn’t have to be so complicated.
"I see so many people getting too wrapped up in their training regime without realising there are other things to enjoy. Don’t get me wrong, training is one of my favourite things. But having interests outside of boxing has helped me a lot as well.”
Conah Walker vs Liam Taylor
Conah Walker: “I’ve trained my whole career for this belt. It’s not going anywhere. This is staying with me. I know I’ve got a tough fight in Liam Taylor. I know what he’s about. I feel like I’ve watched him over the years that much that I know what he’s going to throw and I know how he’s going to navigate around the ring. It’s going to be a tough fight, don’t get me wrong. He’s a very good fighter. He comes to fight, which is what we all want to see, and what I like to do.
“This is our sixth fight together now. Sixth time up here. I’ve had six fights, all top level opponents. Every fight I’m just getting better. I’m polishing the edges and I’m becoming a more complete fighter. I’m navigating around the ring better. I’m understanding the rounds. I’m a championship fighter. There’s 12 rounds for a reason. I’m very very confident in my abilities. I’m looking forward to this fight.”
Liam Taylor: “Both of our styles will mix well together. It’s going to be one to watch, definitely. I’ve been pro 14 years now. The past couple of years I’ve really knuckled down, especially with Ste (Maylett). The gym is flying and we’ll all pushing each other. That’s helped a lot. We’ve got a couple of British Champions in the gym at the minute. I’ve been pro the longest out of the lot. I feel like I’m a little bit behind them now. That’s given me a little bit more motivation. The reason I turned pro was to win the Lonsdale Belt. I’ve finally got an opportunity again.”
