Bernard Taylor (boxer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bernard Taylor
Statistics
Nickname(s)	The B.T. Express
Rated at	Featherweight Super featherweight
Height	5 ft 6 in
Reach	69 in
Born	(1957-06-26) June 26, 1957 (age 68) Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	51
Wins	45
Wins by KO	22
Losses	4
Draws	2
No contests	0
Medal record Representing  United States Men's Boxing Pan American Games Gold 1979 San Juan Featherweight Silver 1975 Mexico City Bantamweight

Bernard Taylor, born on June 26, 1957, is a former professional boxer from the United States. He was known for his amazing skills as an amateur boxer. He won a gold medal at the 1979 Pan American Games and a silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games.

Bernard Taylor's Amateur Boxing Journey

Bernard Taylor had a truly impressive amateur boxing career. He won almost all of his fights, with a record of 481 wins and only 8 losses. He was good enough to join the 1980 U.S. Olympic team. However, he could not compete in the 1980 Summer Olympics because the United States decided to boycott the games.

In 2007, Bernard Taylor and other athletes who missed the Olympics received a special honor. They were given Congressional Gold Medals. These medals were created just for the athletes who were unable to compete.

Amateur Boxing Achievements

Bernard Taylor achieved many important wins during his amateur career:

• 1972 National Junior Olympics Light Flyweight champion
• 1976 National AAU Bantamweight champion
• 1976 National Golden Gloves Bantamweight champion
• 1977 National Golden Gloves Featherweight champion
• 1978 National Golden Gloves Featherweight champion
• 1979 National AAU Featherweight champion
• 1980 National Golden Gloves Featherweight champion

Bernard Taylor's Professional Boxing Career

Bernard Taylor started his professional boxing career in 1980. He had an amazing start, winning his first 18 fights without any losses. This led to a big chance to fight for a world championship.

First World Title Fight

In October 1982, Taylor fought Eusebio Pedroza for the W.B.A. featherweight championship. The fight took place in Taylor's hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Taylor was ahead for most of the fight. However, he got tired in the later rounds. The fight ended in a draw, meaning neither boxer won.

More Championship Opportunities

Three years later, Taylor was still undefeated in 34 fights. He had another chance to win the WBA featherweight title. This time, he faced Barry McGuigan. McGuigan had recently won the title from Pedroza. Taylor was unable to continue after the 8th round and lost the fight.

In 1993, Taylor got a third opportunity for a world championship. He fought John John Molina for the IBF junior lightweight title. Taylor lost this fight in the 8th round. He retired from boxing after one more fight in 1994.

Even though he didn't win a world title, Taylor did win other important championships. He won the NABF featherweight title. He also won the USBA junior lightweight title. In that fight, he came from behind to defeat Calvin Grove.

References

• Professional boxing record for Bernard Taylor from BoxRec