Shannon revving-up for her first pro bout
Shannon Taylor…makes her debut at the Eastside Rooms on Friday
FORMER mechanic Shannon Taylor is revved-up and ready to go as her professional debut beckons.
The 30-year-old, now a full-time carer, takes her bow on BCB’s “Stand and Deliver” bill at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, on Friday.
In the opposite corner will be Alisha Lewis, fresh from a pleasing – if unsuccessful – first fight on BCB’s September 19 show at the Hangar, Wolverhampton. I felt the Grimsby girl deserved at least a share of the spoils against former Midlands title challenger Doina Costin.
The four rounder is no given for Worcester’s Taylor, mum to a 13-year-old boy. And Shannon admits there’ll be butterflies on the night.
“I’d always struggled with nerves,” she said, “but you have to use them to push you through a contest, not hold you back.”
Taylor turned over after a fairly limited six fight amateur career, of which she won four. But she has lofty ambitions of one day becoming a British champ, although her title weight has yet to be decided.
On Friday, with an on-the-day weigh-in, she’ll scale 9st 6lbs (lightweight), so super-feather, even feather, is a possibility down the line.
“The main reason I turned pro is my age,” she said. “I didn’t have my first fight until I was 27 – if I was younger I’d get some more amateur experience.
“And there’s the style of the boxing, I have more of a professional style – in the amateurs it’s more points scoring. Everyone says I’m strong, I like to sit down on my punches, and I think the longer distances will suit me.
“I feel in sparring I seem to get better as the rounds go on, I take a round or two to get my range. My fitness is definitely one of my strengths.”
Taylor knows age is not on her side and she needs to make an impact quickly.
She added: “I’m definitely taking it one step at a time, but the aim is a British title, that’s the big goal for me. If I manage to win a British title I can move on to European level.
“I’m sparring (Midlands featherweight champ) Sian O’Toole and a few of the other girls and have done pretty well.
“I’m not a massive ticket-seller and hoping to pick up more support along the way.”
The clocks ticking towards the night when she begins winning over fans.