Pryce Taylor: The art of transitioning

When people think of transitioning, they are thinking more so of a deeper level of evolving and elevation and that is what makes upcoming boxer Pryce Taylor's story very intriguing.

Taylor' story starts out with him wanting to be a pro basketball player, but the financial strains of America, left him pondering about his future. While he was thinking about what he was going to do, Taylor wanted to make sure that he utilized his skills and thought about going in the direction of boxing. "Knowing that basketball wasn't going to work out, I wanted to utilize my talents and be productive. I admired fighters like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan while growing up, so I decided to venture into the world of fighting. Until I turned 18, I had only seen boxing in movies like Rocky. When I couldn't play basketball anymore, I knew I had to do something that made use of my skills."

Being 18 and learning the ropes on the go, Taylor started having more buzz surrounding how he fought and his work ethic. He was willing to ask the questions that others were afraid of asking and was a sponge, soaking what his trainers were telling him to do to improve. People in his camp would describe this young talent as hungry and someone that has something to prove. When asked about advice he could give someone, who was a bit older and had little to know experience, this is what he had to say.

"If you're older and want to start boxing, it's absolutely possible. Train, stay motivated, gain experience, and participate in amateur fights. Keep working out regularly. If you want to do it, go for it."

Now, here is where Taylor' story gains traction and heads down the train tracks full of life and rainbows. In 2019, he was one of the candidates selected to participate in the Olympic trials. Talk about an experience for the young man that hasn't really boxed until he was 18! The Olympic trail was an experience that Taylor would never forget. He learned a lot about himself, losing to a fighter, who was a leftie, made him adapt and change his technique. He went back to the chalkboard after the loss and found a way to fight opponents who are lefties, which made him more versatile. Taylor is always looking for room to improve and he has his own expectations to be the best version of himself.

"I'm always open to improvement. I want to work on my jab to make it faster and sharper, improve hip rotation, and ensure my hands return to guard after a punch. I can also increase my punch count. There's always room for improvement."

Improvement, as well as his ambition caught the eyes of The Team Combat League? This league gives fighters an opportunity to advance their careers. Taylor appreciates everything this league has given him. "Team Combat League offers an excellent head start in the professional boxing world. I gain valuable experience in a fast-paced environment and get to fight opponents I wouldn't have had the chance to meet otherwise. It provides a great atmosphere and a head start for my future career.

Taylor has been on mission in his boxing career and has accomplished being a 2-time Ring Master's champion, 2-time New York tournament champion, and 3-time Metro tournament champion. A lot of Taylor's peers are astonished at his accomplishments and look up to him as a role model. "It feels great to be seen as an inspiration in my Brooklyn community. I take pride in being a native and hope to positively influence those around me."

With being a bright human being, Taylor has so many options with achieving his dreams, despite the late transition of being a boxer. Remember everyone, just because you are a little bit older than everyone else in your field or you are less experienced than others, it takes heart to go out there and get out of your comfort zone. Taylor has done it and has shown many people around the globe that transitions doesn't mean halting your dream. He is literally showing you that a purpose came out of the trials of life.