Taylor Bevan’s link-up with Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis has seemingly come at the perfect time, ahead of his first 10-rounder against Ryszard Lewicki.
The 25-year-old has made steady progress in the professional code but, now, it seems as though he is approaching his toughest assignment thus far.
Not only is he facing a credible opponent but Bevan, who was a standout amateur, must also perform on the grandest stage he will have ever encountered.
It is just as well, 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 up there to try them out and gelled well with them straight away.
“They’ve obviously got a top stable of boxers – a lot of lads who are further along the journey than I am.
“I can learn a lot of people like that and there’s a great atmosphere in the gym, which is something I was missing before. I’m used to training on my own, so I’ve come from the other end of the spectrum, really.
“It’s a big commitment, moving four or five hours away from home, but I’m willing to make sacrifices at this stage in my career. I believe they’ll pay off in the future.”
One of the benefits of training in Manchester is that Bevan is closer, or at least more so than he was in Southampton, to top-class super-middleweight sparring.
As a result, he has been fortunate enough to share rounds with Callum Simpson, who rematches Troy Williamson on August 8, ahead of his clash with Lewicki.
“Yeah, amazing sparring. He’s at the top level at my weight, and he’s massive for the weight as well. I had eight rounds with him [around two weeks ago] and did another eight rounds with him [last week].
“I don’t think you can get much better sparring than that. It fills me with the utmost confidence going into this next fight, that I’m in great condition and prepared for anything.”
Bevan will collide with Lewicki at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, this Saturday, featuring on the undercard of Ryan Garner vs Michael Magnesi.
While still signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, this represents Bevan’s second outing on a Queensberry Promotions show, simply because the offer to enter his first professional contest in Southampton was too good to refuse.
The aim, as always, is to produce a statement performance and emerge victorious, yet Bevan does not rule out the possibility of going the full 10-round distance.
“I think it’s come at the perfect time – Tom Dallas at Matchroom has matched me brilliantly so far.
“I’ve been ready to do the eight rounds in my last few fights and it just hasn’t happened. In a way, it’s good to blast people out of there, because you get those highlight-reel knockouts and 8-0 (8 KOs) looks great on my record.
“But, at the same time, I wouldn’t be disappointed to go 10 rounds in this next fight, because it would be a good progression in my career. I’ve got to go the distance at some point, so why not do it now?”
Indeed, Bevan has established himself as a clinical knockout artist, but sees himself as more of a spiteful technician than an all-out power puncher.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a devastating puncher like [stablemate] Pat Brown, but I’d say [I get the stoppages with] smart boxing. When I feint, I look at where [the opponent] leaves himself open.
“I always felt like my style would suit the pros, because I like to think about things and be more calculated, whereas the amateurs is very fast and furious.
“I’ve always been a fit lad, and it was often my heart, determination and will to win that got me through those amateur fights.”
While boasting an accomplished amateur background, Bevan remains acutely aware that, against Lewicki, he could be dragged into something of a “dogfight”. Thankfully, though, he should have plenty of supporters to spur him on through any moments of jeopardy.
