Talented Sporting Youngsters - Louie Taylor
Louie’s leading the way in his age-group boxing
When Merlins Bridge ABC held their action-packed evening of boxing at The Withybush Arena recently the ‘Best Boxer of the Evening’ was awarded to Louie Taylor, who had boxed in the first of 16 bouts against Harry Goodall (Llanishen ABC, Cardiff).
It was a tribute to his determination because his opponent had slightly the better of the first round but Louie listened carefully to coach Graham Brockway in the interval, tightened up his defence, moved around the ring more and accumulated points with his straight jabs, that kept his opponent off-balance, and also caught the judges’ eyes, with his impressive speed and solid hooks.
A strong come-back and ‘Best Boxer of the Night’ award
As a result, he came back so strongly that he not only received a unanimous decision from all three judges but also a standing ovation from the huge crowd who recognised the fact that he is only 12 years old and this was only his second contest alongside one exhibition bout.
And at that relatively young age his success was all the more creditable because his opponent was 2kg heavier and far more experienced with his number of bouts in the double-figures category!
His delight was understandably evident as referee Mark McCormack raised his arm after MC Toby Ellis (Pure West Radio) had given the judges’ verdicts – and doubled when he learned he was adjudged ‘Best Boxer of the Night’!
A keen footballer in a sporting family
Outside of his boxing, Louie is a talented footballer and also a very keen football fan who, like boxing coach Graham Brockway, supports Chelsea (and lists Eden Hazard as his favourite player). He plays in midfield or up front for Camrose at under 13 level, coached by Dave Mallin and Jason McGee
He has also represented Pembrokeshire and Haverfordwest County AFC on a regular basis but took the decision this year to leave Pembrokeshire Schools’ football to focus on his boxing.
His parents Chris and Michelle are also keen on sport, with dad having represented Barnard Castle School (County Durham) in rugby, athletics and cross country in his younger days. Dad is ever-ready to take Louie to Merlins Bridge ABC because he is not averse to doing a little fitness training himself whilst he is there - whilst mum was an accomplished hockey player in her school days and is now a fitness instructor with Pembrokeshire County Council at Haverfordwest Leisure Centre
Asking dad certainly paid off
Louie’s first visit to Merlins Bridge ABC came in August 2024, when dad Chris took him across to the club after previously being asked on quite a few occasions - and his young son was soon relishing the circuit training and use of the heavy bags and speed ball once he had been shown how to punch properly.
Increasing youngsters’ self-confidence and self-discipline are prime aims of all the coaches at the club, - and Louie was soon absorbing all the help and advice given as part of an introduction to boxing. It is club policy not to rush anyone of any age just starting out to don the gloves, protective headgear and then a gum shield before sparring - and again Louie was soon stepping into the ring at every opportunity.
Allowed to spar, have a medical card and he was off!
He was then asking Chris and mum Michelle if he could start boxing and after discussions with Graham it was off to the doctors for a medical as a primary step in being granted his card, which records all details of contests - and Louie was delighted when it arrived!
It wasn’t long before his first bout was arranged on the 13th June, at Tenby ABC’s show and again he was part of the opening bout of the evening against Ronnie Begg and recorded a debut win that was unanimous from the judges’ points of view He then he took part in an exhibition bout in Llanelli on 29th June aimed at showcasing the young talent available. Exhibitions don’t have a verdict – but the sustained applause afterwards left no doubt who they thought was the better boxer!
Full circle – and still as keen as ever
And that brings us back full circle to today, where this evening after school he and dad will be off to Merlins Bridge ABC to continue his boxing education with Graham Brockway, who told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
“It is a pleasure to have Louie as part of our club because not only is he a very promising young boxer but he is a great role model for others his age who are coming new to the club.
He is totally committed to training but above all else he is a very modest and pleasant young man.”
Louie told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk:
“I’ve loved my first 14 months of boxing. I’ve learnt so much from Graham and the other coaches, and made so many friends at the boxing club. Most of all I enjoy training hard and pushing myself - I just want to be the best I can be and make everyone proud.”
We could pay Louie Taylor no higher compliment than Graham has but would like to wish this talented young sportsman well for his future boxing career because even at his age he is a credit to his sport!
