Most know Anthony Taylor for his charismatic aura, ferocious fighting style and surprising ability to sing a decent tune. But behind the bravado is a man who’s encountered incredible adversity.
On May 13, ‘Pretty Boy’ produced the biggest win of his career, triumphing over the previously unbeaten, Salt Papi, on the KSI vs Joe Fournier undercard.
While most expected the TikToker to dispose of the ex-MMA fighter with relative ease, Taylor rose to the occasion, utilising all his years of experience to box to a comprehensive decision victory.
In the aftermath of the bout, the American dropped to his knees in jubilation before sprinting towards the ropes. And considering where he’s come from, he has every right to celebrate.
In a tale of adversity and determination, the former Bellator star has never given up on his dreams, and he isn’t about to start now.
Read: LEWIS MATAYA: MEET THE FIGHTER WRONGLY IMPRISONED WHO’S SET TO BECOME AN MMA LEGEND
Anthony Taylor lived on the streets
Speaking to OLBG, he confessed: “A lot of people don’t know that I was homeless; a lot of people don’t know that I was a stripper and had to do what I had to do to survive. But I don’t promote it; I don’t use it as an excuse. It was 2016, and I broke up with my girl, and I ended up homeless in Stockton, California.
“I was living in the streets and sleeping in the park, or going from couch to couch. I’d steal clothes and food to survive; I’d go to farmers markets to steal food. I was 26 years old and wanted to kill myself. I started stripping and driving Uber to get by, and then I met my coach, who gave me a place to stay. He turned me into an MMA fighter, and the rest is history. I told myself I will never live that life again. Self-pity will keep you there. That’s why I am the way I am; I’m always positive. I’ve been there. It can’t get any worse than that time.”
Anthony Taylor owes everything to Jake Paul
Speaking in his ever-authentic style, the 33-year-old claimed that without YouTube star, Jake Paul, he’d still be in a difficult position today.
“I got the call from Jake Paul to be his sparring partner, I started training with him, and he treated me like family. He gave me the opportunity to fight Tommy Fury, and from there on, I quit MMA. The money was too good in the influencer world. Jake Paul was paying me about $2,500 a week just to spar and train with him; that’s like ten grand a month. These MMA promotions were paying about five grand for an eight-week camp.
“Jake Paul paid me more when I was working with him than I earned as an MMA fighter; Jake changed my life. I left MMA when I met Jake. The money was so much better. I’m now on the influencer circuit and making more money. I’m now looking to buy a house. I manifested this moment. I’m really close to buying a house. I want to own a house by the end of the year. I want to own something for the first time. It feels great to be in this position made possible by influencer boxing.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
