The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

Local Sports

Discussion

August 28, 2009

Taylor scores second KO since setback

BY MIKE MASTOVICH

Johnstown’s Andres Taylor knew better than to sulk about his first professional boxing setback two months ago.

The “Taylor Made” cruiserweight instead rebounded in impressive fashion.

Taylor stopped Joseph Harris of Union City, Tenn., 1:25 into the fourth round on Thursday night at the Hager Hall and Conference Center in Hagerstown, Md.

It was Taylor’s second straight knockout following a disappointing 57-56 loss by decision to Leo Bercier of Great Falls, Mont. on June 27 at Youngstown, Ohio.

“It was very important to bounce back,” said Taylor, who is 10-1-1 with six knockouts.

“The loss put a lot of things in perspective for me. It made me go out and work harder and train harder. I realized everything isn’t given to you in this game. You’ve got to go out and earn it. The fight isn’t over until it’s over. You can’t take anybody for granted. You have to go out and do your job.”

Taylor did his job on Thursday. He was part of a 12-fight card in what was billed as “Ballroom Boxing” at a venue also known for concerts and country line dancing extravaganzas.

“It started out slow in the first round. I was trying to feel him out,” Taylor said. “I was fighting a southpaw and I had only fought one other southpaw in my career. My corner said for me to stay inside and keep working. In the fourth round I hit him with a barrage of unanswered punches. The ref called it to a halt. He was taking some pretty big punches.”

As usually is the case for Taylor, a strong contingent of Johnstown boxing fans accompanied him to Hagerstown.

“We had a good following down there,” he said. “It’s about an hour and 45 minutes away. It was on a Thursday, which makes it hard on the fans who have to turn around and drive back home for work the next day or it might have been even more packed.”

Since joining promoter Chet Koerner’s TKO Boxing Promotions in June, Taylor has won two of three bouts. He’s also benefited from the addition of well-known trainer Tom Yankello, who has trained boxers such as “Pittsburgh Kid” Paul Spadafora, former Olympian Calvin Brock and rising featherweight Monte Meza-Clay.

Taylor hopes to box next month during a TKO event in Connecticut. He announced he’ll fight in his hometown on Halloween night.

“We’re definitely coming back to Johnstown on Oct. 31,” Taylor said. “We’re in negotiations right now with the War Memorial. If the War Memorial and TKO can come together with a deal we’ll be doing it at the War Memorial. But we’ll be in Johnstown that night even if I have to fight in my backyard.”

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local Sports
AP Video
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Poll

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Yes, I support his proposed budget.
No, I don't support his proposed budget.
I don't know anything about it.
     View Results
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com