Before there were highlight reels and viral clips, there was hard work, discipline, and a fighter who carried that into every ring he stepped in.
Today we honor Bernard “B.T. Express” Taylor, a former professional fighter who fought out of our gym and built one of the most respected careers of his era.
Taylor was a legendary amateur with a reported 481-8 record and earned a place on the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, though that team never got the chance to compete because of the boycott. He turned pro in 1980 and went on to build an outstanding career that included 45 professional wins, multiple regional titles, and world title fights against some of boxing’s biggest names.
Known for his speed, skill, and toughness, Bernard battled champions and top contenders like Eusebio Pedroza, Barry McGuigan, Calvin Grove, and John John Molina. One of the defining moments of his career came in his 1984 world title shot against Pedroza, when he pushed the champion to a 15-round split draw in a fight many still remember as one of the closest calls of that championship run.
Bernard Taylor may not always be the first name casual fans mention, but around real boxing people, his name carries weight. Fighters like him helped build the reputation, tradition, and respect that gyms like ours still stand on today.
We’re proud to remember Bernard “B.T. Express” Taylor as part of our boxing legacy.
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