Anthony Taylor, born on June 23, 1989, in Berkeley, United States, is an American professional boxer and mixed martial artist known by the ring name "Pretty Boy." He has competed in Bellator and is currently signed to Misfits Boxing, where he holds the MFB Light-Heavyweight Championship.
Early MMA Career
Taylor made his professional MMA debut at the age of 26 on December 4, 2015, against Adin Duenas at Bellator 147, losing the fight via 1st-round submission. This followed a rocky amateur career of 5 wins and 8 losses.
Winning only one fight in the four following his debut, he was subsequently dropped by Bellator and joined CFC (Cage Fighting Championships) in 2017. He won his first fight for the promotion via decision against Trey Branch.
MMA Record and Notable Fights
Anthony Taylor's MMA record stands at 7 wins and 5 losses. Some of his best fights were against Chris Avila, Victor Jones, and Mike Hales. His last fight was a 3-round majority decision win against Chris Avila at Bellator 238 at age 30 on January 25, 2020. He retired with a 5-fight winning streak.
Here's a summary of his professional MMA record:
Read also: Biography of Anthony Henry
| Record | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| MMA | 7 | 5 |
Transition to Professional Boxing
Taylor retired from professional MMA in 2020 to pursue a move to professional boxing. He returned to the ring after four years to face English boxer Tommy Fury (6-0) at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 29, 2021. The bout took place on the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley undercard, where Fury won on points. Four months later, Taylor fought American mixed martial artist Chris Avila after obtaining two wins in Tijuana, Mexico. Taylor and Avila had previously fought before, the first time as an MMA bout at Bellator 238, in which Taylor won.
Notable Boxing Matches
- Tommy Fury: August 29, 2021, at the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Chris Avila: Fought after obtaining two wins in Tijuana, Mexico. The bout took place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley II undercard.
- Ashley Rak-Su: A year later, Taylor fought English musician Ashley Rak-Su from the Rak-Su boyband, on the MF & DAZN: X Series 002 undercard. The bout took place on October 15, 2022 at the Utilita Arena Sheffield in Sheffield, England.
- Idris Virgo: On December 6, 2022, Taylor's most challenging matchup was announced for MF & DAZN: X Series 004, being English boxer Idris Virgo (12-0-1).
- Neeraj Goyat: Following the cancellation of Taylor's MMA bout against Dillon Danis, Misfits announced that Taylor would face Indian professional boxer Neeraj Goyat on the undercard of Misfits Mania - The Fight Before Christmas.
On June 8, 2024, English megastar KSI uploaded a YouTube video challenging both Taylor and American YouTuber Slim Albaher to a 2 vs 1 catchweight (160 lb) bout. Lightweight debut. Following the cancellation of Taylor's outnumbered match, his next bout was announced to be against South Korean former kickboxer Samuel Ericsson. Originally, Ericsson was set to face to face American influencer OJ Rose, but was cancelled after Rose was arrested. The bout took place on MF & DAZN: X Series 16 at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida. Taylor was then rebooked for MF & DAZN: X Series 17, but this time against Brazilian mixed martial artist Gabriel Silva, serving as the co-main event alongside the new headliner, Danny Aarons vs Danny Simpson. Originally, Taylor and Silva were set to fight each other on MF & DAZN: X Series 13, but was cancelled following Silva's withdrawal. On 6 December, Taylor's next bout was announced to be against former UFC welterweight challenger Darren Till, following the withdrawal of Fury as Till's original opponent. The bout took place as the headliner for MF & DAZN: X Series 20 at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
After a 5-year hiatus, Taylor was set to make his MMA return against Dillon Danis as the co-feature bout on the Misfits Mania - The Fight Before Christmas boxing card. Following the cancellation of Taylor's MMA bout against Dillon Danis, Misfits announced that Taylor would face Indian professional boxer Neeraj Goyat on the undercard of Misfits Mania - The Fight Before Christmas.
Anthony Taylor grew up in Alameda, California, and graduated from Encinal High School.
HEATED SPARING SESSION! *Anthony sucker punched me!! So we did this..
Read also: Inside Anthony Smith's UFC Journey
Read also: British Boxer Anthony Yarde