Meldrick Taylor

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Meldrick Taylor (born October 19, 1966) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2002. He held world championships in two weight classes, including the IBF junior welterweight title from 1988 to 1990, and the WBA welterweight title from 1991 to 1992. As an amateur, Taylor won a gold medal in the featherweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics.[1]

Amateur career

Taylor, one of many boxing champions hailing from the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, learned his craft in the gyms of his hometown and posted a 99-4 record as an amateur fighter. In 1984, Taylor earned a spot on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team at the age of 17, and claimed the gold medal in the featherweight division. Following his victory, he joined the professional ranks.

1984 Olympic results

  • Round of 64:
  • Round of 32: Defeated Nicolae Talpos (Romania) 5-0
  • Round of 16: Defeated Francisco Camacho (Mexico) 5-0
  • Quarterfinal: Defeated John Wanjau (Kenya) referee stopped contest in the third round
  • Semifinal: Defeated Omar Catari (Venezuela) 5-0
  • Final: Defeated Peter Konyegwachie (Nigeria) 5-0 (won gold medal)

In the American Olympic trials Taylor lost to Andrew Minsker, who then went on to win the trials. However, Taylor beat Minsker twice back to back to earn the spot in the Olympic box-offs.

Professional career

His early fights were against nondescript journeymen, but in his 12th fight, in May 1986, Taylor won a unanimous decision against fellow contender Harold Brazier and moved into the world rankings. On September 3, 1988, Taylor faced James (Buddy) McGirt for the IBF light welterweight title. He defeated McGirt by a technical knockout (TKO) in the 12th and final round to begin his first title reign.

Taylor vs. Chávez

Template:Main article Over the next 18 months, Taylor won four more fights, setting up a unification bout with the WBC light welterweight champion Julio César Chávez on March 17, 1990 in Las Vegas. Chavez had an aura of invincibility, he was considered the best fighter pound for pound in the world and also one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. This fight drew huge media attention, as both men came in unbeaten (Taylor at 24-0-1 and Chávez at 66-0), and regarded as two of the best boxers in the world, regardless of weight class. Their fight was one of the most famous and controversial bouts in boxing history.

Taylor took control of the action early and began to build up a lead on the scorecards. However, Chávez proved to be a heavier puncher, and was slowly wearing Taylor down even as he lost rounds. Going to the 12th and final round, Taylor led by wide margins on two of the three scorecards, and his corner famously told him that he needed to win that round. Because of this, Taylor chose to continue fighting at close quarters with the hard-hitting Mexican champion. Chávez, realizing time was running out, came at Taylor aggressively in the last round. With 17 seconds left in the fight, Chávez floored Taylor. Taylor beat the 10-count and got back to his feet at six. Referee Richard Steele twice asked Taylor, "Are you ok?" Taylor did not respond and only looked at his corner. Steele waved the fight off with just two seconds left, awarding Chávez a win by TKO.

The controversy surrounding the stoppage continues to this day, and 10 years later, The Ring proclaimed it the "Fight of the Decade".

Many boxing fans believe that Taylor was essentially 'ruined' as a fighter because of this bout—due in part to the tremendous punishment taken at the hands of Chavez, including several fractures and some kidney damage (according to the HBO "Legendary Nights" episode mentioned before, he was taken to the hospital immediately after the Chavez bout—reportedly urinating blood.)

WBA welterweight champion and rematch with Chávez

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Taylor had lost his title, but not his desire. Feeling that having to make the 140 pound (64 kg) weight had weakened him against Chavez, Taylor moved up to welterweight (147 pounds) and decisioned undefeated Aaron Davis for the WBA welterweight title on January 19, 1991. He issued a challenge to Chávez for a rematch at 147 pounds, but the latter wouldn't move up in weight for many years. Taylor won three more fights before issuing a challenge to world junior middleweight champion Terry Norris to fight for Norris' WBC title. Norris, a naturally bigger and stronger man, knocked Taylor out in the fourth round.

This marked the end of Taylor's career as a world-class fighter; he lost the welterweight crown to undefeated challenger Crisanto España in his next fight on Halloween night in 1992. Taylor won his following three fights, including a second-round knockout over number four ranked welterweight Chad Broussard.[2] He got one more title shot, against Chávez on September 17, 1994 in Las Vegas, but, years removed from his prime, he was stopped by Chávez in the eighth round. The fight was competitive, with Taylor getting off to a fast start. But after a brutal sixth round, Taylor's legs became rubbery and he was stopped 2 rounds later. Taylor was suspended by The State Athletic Commission in 1997 for failing to appear at a bout in Altoona, PA. It was scheduled for April 6, 1997 against 18-0 Ken Sigurani In a 10-round welterweight event.

He fought off and on over the next couple of years, winning some fights and losing others, before retiring in 2002. He finished with a record of 38-8-1, (20 KOs).

During an episode of HBO's "Legendary Nights" in 2003, an interview with Taylor was shown, in which his speech was very slurred and difficult to understand. Many viewers were shocked and disturbed when they heard the way Taylor now speaks. Indeed, the episode implicitly attributed this to pugilistic dementia—mentioning, time and again, how Taylor was well past his prime as a fighter.

Meldrick Taylor has written his autobiography, titled Two Seconds From Glory.

2019 arrest

Meldrick Taylor was arrested on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in North Philadelphia morning after he allegedly threatened a man with a gun and engaged in a 90-minute standoff with police at his residence. Taylor was charged with aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and terroristic threats. He was later released on an unsecured bond.[3]

Personal

Meldrick Taylor has a twin brother, Eldrick, who was also briefly a professional boxer.[4] Eldrick Taylor compiled a record of 0 wins and 1 loss.[5] Another brother, Myron, competed as a professional boxer as well.[6] Myron Taylor had a record of 29 wins (16 by knockout), 9 losses and one draw (tie), and who once challenged for a world title.[7]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
47 Loss 38–8–1 Wayne Martell UD 10 Jul 20, 2002 Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen, Minnesota, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 38–7–1 Dillon Carew SD 8 May 31, 2002 Boutwell Memorial Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 37–7–1 Manuel De Leon UD 8 Sep 10, 1999 Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 36–7–1 Tim Scott TKO 3 Aug 26, 1999 Roxy Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Loss 35–7–1 Quirino Garcia UD 12 Feb 26, 1999 Gimnasio Municipal Josue Neri Santos, Ciudad Juárez, MexicoScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Loss 35–6–1 Hasan Al UD 10 Aug 28, 1998 Atletion, Aarhus, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 35–5–1 Rafael Salas UD 6 Aug 6, 1998 Aurora, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Loss 34–5–1 Darren Maciunski SD 10 Nov 26, 1996 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 34–4–1 Tommy Small UD 10 Oct 10, 1996 Hilton, Washington D.C., U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 33–4–1 Kenneth Kidd TKO 1 (10), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Aug 16, 1996 Jaffa Shrine Center, Altoona, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Loss 32–4–1 Julio César Chávez TKO 8 (12), 1:41Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 17, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBC light welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 32–3–1 Chad Broussard KO 2 (10), 1:01Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 7, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 31–3–1 Craig Houk KO 3 (10), 1:02Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 29, 1994 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 30–3–1 Henry Hughes RTD 2 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 8, 1993 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Loss 29–3–1 Crisanto España TKO 8 (12), 2:11Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 31, 1992 Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBA welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Loss 29–2–1 Terry Norris TKO 4 (12), 2:55Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 9, 1992 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBC super welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 29–1–1 Glenwood Brown UD 12 Jan 18, 1992 Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 28–1–1 Ernie Chavez TKO 6 (10), 1:51Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 13, 1991 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 27–1–1 Luis Garcia SD 12 Jun 1, 1991 Radisson Hotel, Palm Springs, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 26–1–1 Aaron Davis UD 12 Jan 19, 1991 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBA welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 25–1–1 Primo Ramos UD 10 Aug 11, 1990 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Loss 24–1–1 Julio César Chávez TKO 12 (12), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 17, 1990 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost IBF light welterweight title;
For WBC light welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 24–0–1 Ramon Flores TKO 1 (10), 1:57Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 27, 1990 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 23–0–1 Jaime Balboa TKO 5 (10), 1:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 20, 1989 Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 22–0–1 Courtney Hooper UD 12 Sep 11, 1989 Circus Maximus Showroom, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF light welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 21–0–1 John Wesley Meekins RTD 7 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 21, 1989 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained IBF light welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 20–0–1 Buddy McGirt TKO 12 (12), 2:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 3, 1988 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won IBF light welterweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 19–0–1 Martin Quiroz UD 10 Jun 12, 1988 Odeum Expo Center, Villa Park, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 18–0–1 Ivan Gonzalez TKO 5 (10), 2:47Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 9, 1988 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 17–0–1 Richard Fowler KO 2 (10), 1:19Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 4, 1987 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 16–0–1 Irleis Perez UD 10 Jul 11, 1987 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 15–0–1 Primo Ramos UD 10 Apr 19, 1987 Pointe Resort, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 14–0–1 Roque Montoya UD 10 Feb 6, 1987 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 13–0–1 Danny Vargas TKO 2 (10), 1:49Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 11, 1986 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Template:DrawDraw 12–0–1 Howard Davis Jr. SD 10 Aug 16, 1986 Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Harold Brazier UD 10 May 11, 1986 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Jose Rivera TKO 6 (10), 2:07Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 3, 1986 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Robin Blake UD 10 Feb 2, 1986 Sudduth Coliseum, Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Victor Acosta UD 8 Dec 21, 1985 Pavilion, Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Carlos Santana KO 4 (8), 2:45Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 16, 1985 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Roberto Medina UD 6 Jul 20, 1985 Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 Hugo Carrizo TKO 3 Jun 29, 1985 Bellaria, ItalyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Nery Reyes KO 1 (6), 2:35Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 17, 1985 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Elias Martinez TKO 5 (6) Apr 6, 1985 San Angelo, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Darrell Curtis TKO 3 (6), 2:09Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 13, 1985 Scope, Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Dwight Pratchett UD 6 Jan 20, 1985 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Luke Lecce TKO 1 (6), 2:31Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 15, 1984 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

References

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  1. ↑ Template:Cite Sports-Reference
  2. ↑ [1]Script error: No such module "Unsubst".Template:Cbignore
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Sporting positions

Template:S-text

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check IBF junior welterweight champion
September 3, 1988 – March 17, 1990 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBA welterweight champion
January 19, 1991 – October 31, 1992 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Script error: No such module "Navbox". Template:Footer USA Boxing 1984 Summer Olympics

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