Home > Meldrick Taylor

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. His amateur career wound down when he earned a spot on the 1984 U.S. Olympic team at the age of 17, and claimed the gold medal in the lightweight division. Following his victory, he joined the professional ranks.

His early fights were against nondescript journeymen, but in his 12th fight, in October 1985, Taylor won a unanimous decision against fellow contender Harold Brazier and moved into the world rankings. Still, a title shot had to wait until September 3, 1988, when Taylor faced James "Buddy" McGirt for the IBF light-welterweight (140-pound) world title. He defeated McGirt by a technical knockout (TKO) in the 12th and final round to begin his first title reign.

Over the next 18 months, Taylor won five more fights, setting up a unification bout with WBC light-welterweight champ Julio César Chávez on March 17, 1990 in Las Vegas. This fight drew huge media attention, as both men came in unbeaten (Taylor at 24-0-1 and Chávez at 68-0), 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, but 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 13 seconds left in the fight, Chávez floored Taylor. Taylor beat the 10-count and got back to his feet, but looked back at his corner rather than at referee Richard Steele. 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, Ring MagazineRing Magazine is a boxing magazine that was first published in 1922. Ring Magazine first edited by hall of famer Nat Fleischer, has opened boxing scandals, made unknown fighters become famous worldwide and covered boxing's biggest events of all time. proclaimed it the "Fight of the Decade".

Taylor had lost his title, but not his desire. Feeling that having to make the 140-pound weight had weakened him against Chavez, Taylor moved up to full welterweight (147 pounds) and decisioned undefeated Aaron Davis for the WBA welterweight title on January 19January 19 is the 19th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 346 days remaining (347 in leap years) Events 1419 Hundred Years' War: Rouen surrenders to Henry V of England which makes Normandy a part of England. 1764 John Wilkes is expelled, 19911991 like 2002, is a palindromic year. It also has the same calendar as 2002, including Easter on March 31. It is a common year starting on Tuesday. Events January January 2 Sharon Pratt Dixon is sworn in as mayor of Washington, DC becoming the first blac. 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 answering a challenge from light-middleweight champion Terry NorrisThis Gatesville, Texas native later moved to San Diego and made a name for himself in the early going. He lost a couple of early fights by disqualification, but for the most part compiled a solid record, including a stunning knockout win against Steve Lit 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 Crisanto Espana in his next fight on HalloweenHalloween is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31, usually by children dressing in costumes and going door-to-door collecting candy. It is celebrated in much of the Western world, though most commonly in the United States, Ireland and Canada. night in 1992. He got one more title shot, against Chávez on September 17September 17 is the 260th day of the year (261st in leap years). There are 105 days remaining. Events 1176 Battle of Myriokephalon 1394 King Charles VI of France orders all Jews expelled from France 1462 Battle of Swiecin, called also Battle of Zarnowiec,, 19941994 is a common year starting on Saturday, and was designated the International year of the Family''. Events January events January 1 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect January 6 Nancy Kerrigan is clubbed on the right leg by an in Las Vegas, but, years removed from his prime, he was stopped by Chávez in the eighth round.

He fought off and on over the next eight years, winning some fights and losing others, before retiring in 2002 with a career record of 38 wins, eight losses and one draw.

Taylor lives in Philadelphia today, working as a personal trainer, fitness consultant and boxing instructor.