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November 3, 2009

A champion in ring, for city | Andres Taylor a Johnstown ambassador

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Tue Nov 03, 2009, 12:48 PM EST

Johnstown’s Andres Taylor avenged his only professional boxing loss Saturday night at the War Memorial Arena – winning a unanimous decision over Leo Bercier of Great Falls, Mont., to run his record to 11-1-1.

Taylor’s fight headlined a six-fight card. The cruiserweight bout was recorded by cameras from Ringside Boxing Series to air three times on FOX Sports Pittsburgh – on Nov. 17 and 29 and on Dec. 1.

We applaud Taylor for this big victory. He trained hard and was ready for the match.

But we applaud Taylor even more for the person he is, and the way he represents his hometown.

The 30-year-old works as hard marketing his fights as he does in the ring. He spends countless hours visiting local schools and community groups, doing interviews and making other public appearances.

Taylor had hoped for a sold-out arena, but got a crowd of about 1,000. That’s still pretty good, and we urge area sports fans who haven’t yet seen this local athlete in action to watch for the next opportunity on TV or in person.

You will be seeing a young man who has overcome challenges to find success, and who now uses his own experiences to help others.

The Greater Johnstown High School graduate was a father at 16, and admits: “I did things that I’m not proud of.”

But through faith and sports, Taylor has become a true winner.

He won the Golden Gloves state championship in 2006 and participated in the Western Olympic Trials in 2007.

Now, he is climbing the ranks as a pro.

“Through Christ and the community, I really changed my life,” Taylor said in a pre-fight interview with

Tribune-Democrat Sports Editor Eric Knopsnyder.

“I came from a family of seven kids. Just my mother raised us,” he said. “It was hard. We lived in the projects. We hardly had enough food. We hardly had enough clothing to go to school. I’m just happy to go through everything I went through and be here today. I didn’t fully make it – I’m not a millionaire or anything – but I’m happy to see the road I’m on. I have the potential to be the guy to bring stuff to Johnstown. I’m happy to give back to Johnstown.”

Taylor is someone our region can cheer for and support.

His future is bright, and he wants Johnstown to bask in the glow.

“As a youth, when you get into trouble doing things, you’re taking from your city,” he said. “Now, I have the chance to give back, and I’m happy for that.”

So are we.

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