Taylor - new pro with phenomenal engine

Joe Taylor…super-feather is turning over from Bulkington gym

PRISON officer Joe Taylor is out to prove himself a real jailhouse Rocky after signing pro forms.

The Bulkington ABC boxer has turned over with Birmingham’s Jon Pegg and be trained by former amateur coach Tom Powell.

The 23-year-old super-feather aims to make his debut in September and Powell believes he could prove a surprise package in the paid ranks.

“I think there’s a British title, minimum, in him,” Tom said, “I think he’s capable of becoming a British champion. He has all the tools to make a good pro. I’ve taken him to spar pro and he’s done 10 rounds, no problem.”

Taylor, from Hinckley, has a solid amateur background. After a handful of fights for Atherstone, he switched to Bulkington and has had around 40 contests, winning 30. He’s honours include two elite Midlands titles and three box cup golds.

National honours have eluded him, however – because, say Powell and Bulkington boss Brendan Norman, the lad’s style is tailor-made for longer pro distances.

“He’s one of the gamest lads I’ve ever trained,” Powell said. “So game, and such a nice lad. I’ve never seen a lad with such grit and determination – you could hit him with a baseball bat and he’d still come back. I think he’ll have more power in the pros because he’ll be able to sit down on his punches.

“He’s a throwback fighter, he could do 15 or 20 rounds. He has a phenomenal engine, probably one of the fittest lads I’ve ever met.”

Veteran Brendan Norman is more measured in his assessment. He said of Taylor: “I think he definitely has a Midlands title in him – after that it’s down to development. He could jump straight into a 10 rounder, he’s relentless. With Joe, it’s not so much power, it’s volume.”

And there’s another “plus” for the newcomer.

“He has the backing of his local area,” Powell added. Looks like the prison officer is going to cell a few tickets, if you’ll forgive the pun.