![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/anthony-taylor-thanks-jake-paul-for-boxing-career-ahead-of-paul-bamba-grudge-fight/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1_Screenshot-2021-08-04-at-170738.png&description=Former Bellator MMA star Taylor was grinding his way from journeyman status to a potential UFC deal before meeting Paul and beginning a foray into influencer boxing Anthony 'Pretty Boy' Taylor has thanked Jake Paul for the opportunity to get into influencer boxing after struggling in the world of MMA for most of his career. The divisive California native had just won his fifth straight MMA fight against former UFC star Chris Avila when the coronavirus pandemic hit, costing him a year of his fighting career as a contract with the top promotion stayed just too far away. Having opted not to resume fighting with Bellator, he was struggling to get offers despite an explosive social media presence and some big results. However, after a Twitter spat with Paul's then coach BJ Flores, Taylor took the leap of faith to travel across America for a four-round sparring session with the YouTuber ahead of his fight with Ben Askren. From there, he was drafted into the camp for Paul's bout with Tyron Woodley and earned a shot at Tommy Fury that led him full-force into the influencer boxing world. "I wouldn't say I owe a lot, but I would say thank you to Jake for the opportunity," Taylor explained in an exclusive chat with Mirror Fighting ahead of tomorrow night's clash at Misfits 008 with Paul Bamba. "He gave me a chance to showcase my skills but at the end of the day, I owe it to myself for getting this far. "He gave me a platform but I had to put in the work to stay on that platform, I had to put in the work to go above and beyond and get other contracts. I got on Misfits and I had to fight in London, in Dubai, in all these places and this was my hard work where people can say 'Hey, you put in the work, you earned it'." Taylor didn't get the win against Fury, and when he was given a second chance on a Jake undercard against Avila in the boxing ring, he also tasted defeat by Majority Decision. From there he had to rebuild through a series of minor paydays around the world before eve){kind=link}
Former Bellator MMA star Taylor was grinding his way from journeyman status to a potential UFC deal before meeting Paul and beginning a foray into influencer boxing
Anthony ‘Pretty Boy’ Taylor has thanked Jake Paul for the opportunity to get into influencer boxing after struggling in the world of MMA for most of his career.
The divisive California native had just won his fifth straight MMA fight against former UFC star Chris Avila when the coronavirus pandemic hit, costing him a year of his fighting career as a contract with the top promotion stayed just too far away. Having opted not to resume fighting with Bellator, he was struggling to get offers despite an explosive social media presence and some big results.
However, after a Twitter spat with Paul’s then coach BJ Flores, Taylor took the leap of faith to travel across America for a four-round sparring session with the YouTuber ahead of his fight with Ben Askren. From there, he was drafted into the camp for Paul’s bout with Tyron Woodley and earned a shot at Tommy Fury that led him full-force into the influencer boxing world.
“I wouldn’t say I owe a lot, but I would say thank you to Jake for the opportunity,” Taylor explained in an exclusive chat with Mirror Fighting ahead of tomorrow night’s clash at Misfits 008 with Paul Bamba. “He gave me a chance to showcase my skills but at the end of the day, I owe it to myself for getting this far.