Marquis Taylor Faces Backlash Over Sparring Session
Marquis Taylor, the NABF middleweight champion from Houston, has faced significant backlash after a sparring session video circulated widely on social media. In the footage captured at the Boxraw Sparring Club in New York on July 12, Taylor unleashed a powerful combination, flooring an opponent who had maintained an undefeated record. The session drew notable attendees, including Turki Alalshikh and Devin Haney, the latter of whom later criticized Taylor’s actions online.
Controversial Knockout and Online Criticism
The video, initially published by The Ring Magazine, depicted a striking sequence, culminating in a controversial punch that many observers claimed struck the back of his opponent’s head. Following its release, the clip quickly garnered over 400,000 views along with a wave of criticism. Haney, a seasoned multi-weight champion, shared the footage on the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter), expressing his disapproval:
“This is f***ed up,”
he commented.
Taylor’s Defense and Context of the Sparring Session
In response to the uproar and the subsequent removal of the video from various platforms, Taylor defended his actions, adamantly stating,
“Behind the head, where?! That was a clear hit on that big a** ear hole on the headgear!”
He emphasized that both he and his opponent, despite the knockout, engaged amicably after the spar, assuring followers that everything was fine, and insisted that there was no animosity involved.
Significance of the Sparring Session
The intense moment arose during a critical opportunity for fighters aspiring to secure a spot on high-profile undercards, such as the anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford matchup. Taylor’s manager, Bobby Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions, elaborated on the context, underscoring Taylor’s frustrations after a decade of being an unbeaten pro without significant recognition or opportunities. Harrison commented,
“Marquis went to New York to take part as it was his chance to finally earn himself the biggest fight of his career. He took on a guy with a 7-0 record and put him down in front of Turki. This was his moment, and he took it.”
Looking Ahead
With Taylor now under the TKO Promotions banner, he is poised as a strong candidate for one of the two coveted slots on the Canelo vs. Crawford undercard, potentially marking a pivotal turning point in his career. Given his ten years of undefeated fighting, this opportunity would represent a significant step onto a larger stage, one that has largely evaded him thus far in his journey as a professional boxer.
