Taylor Bevan’s collaboration with Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis clearly came at the perfect time, ahead of his first 10-round fight against Ryszard Lewicki.
The 25-year-old has been making steady progress in the professional code, but now he seems to be approaching the toughest task of his career so far.
Not only does he face a credible opponent, but Bevan, who was an outstanding amateur, must also perform on the greatest stage he has ever encountered.
It’s fitting, then, that the talented prospect has joined forces with esteemed coaches Moore and Travis, knowing that basing himself in Manchester is a sacrifice worth making.
“They’re just two very experienced coaches. I went there to try them out and I immediately clicked well with them.
“Obviously they have a top stable of boxers – a lot of guys who are further down the journey than me.
“I can learn from a lot of people like that, and there’s a great atmosphere in the gym, which I missed before. I’m used to training alone, so I really came from the other end of the spectrum.
“Moving four or five hours away from home is a large commitment, but at this point in my career I’m willing to make sacrifices. I believe they will pay off in the future.”
One of the benefits of training in Manchester is that Bevan is closer, or at least closer than in Southampton, to top-flight super middleweight sparring.
As a result, he was fortunate to share his rounds with Callum Simpson, who will face Troy Williamson on August 8 before facing Lewicki.
“Yes, amazing sparring. He’s at the highest level in my weight, and he’s massive for his weight. I fought him eight rounds [around two weeks ago] and I played another eight rounds with him [last week].
“I don’t think you can get a better sparring match than this. It fills me with the greatest confidence for my next fight, that I’m in great shape and prepared for anything.”
Bevan will clash with Lewicki at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton this Saturday. appearing on the match card Ryan Garner vs. Michael Magnesi.
Bevan continues to sign with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing but this is Bevan’s second appearance on the Queensberry Promotions show simply because the offer to take part in his first professional competition in Southampton was too good to refuse.
The goal, as always, is to present a spectacular performance and win, although Bevan does not rule out the possibility of covering the full distance of 10 rounds.
“I think the timing is perfect – Tom Dallas from Matchroom has matched me brilliantly so far.
“I was ready to go eight rounds in my last few fights, but it didn’t happen. In a way, it’s good to blow people away because you get those knockouts when it matters most, and 8-0 (8 KO) looks great on my record.”
“But at the same time, I wouldn’t be disappointed if I went 10 rounds in my next fight because that would be a good progression in my career. I have to go the distance at some point, so why not do it now?”
Indeed, Bevan has established himself as a clinical knockout artist, but he sees himself more as a mischievous technician than a total puncher.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a destructive boxer [stablemate] Pat Brown, but I would say [I get the stoppages with] astute boxing. When I launch, I look where [the opponent] leaves itself open.
“I always felt my style would suit the pros because I like to think about things and be more calculated, whereas the amateurs are very speedy and furious.
“I have always been an athletic guy and it was often my heart, determination and will to win that helped me survive these amateur fights.”
Although he boasts an excellent amateur record, Bevan is aware that he could be drawn into something of a “dogfight” against Lewicki. Fortunately, however, he should have plenty of supporters who will motivate him at any time of danger.
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