London 2012 Olympics: Boxing coach McCracken backs Taylor to build on experience

Published on 08/08/2012 12:00

BRITISH boxing coach Rob McCracken has backed Josh Taylor from Prestonpans to bounce back from his Olympic disappointment.

Taylor arrived in London with high hopes of becoming the first Scottish boxer to win an Olympic medal since Dick McTaggart 52 years ago. But the Commonwealth Games silver medallist, who dropped down to fight at lightweight to earn his selection, was beaten 15-10 in the second round by former world champion and Italian No. 2 seed Domenico Valentino.

Taylor has expressed his desire to continue in the amateur ranks until the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

And McCracken has praised his commitment, especially after he reset his sights on the lightweight event after team captain Tom Stalker had qualified in his preferred light welterweight category last year.

“Josh is fine, he is only a youngster, just turned 21, but he showed his character when he dropped down from 64kg. He has dedicated himself massively the last eight-nine months to make 60 kilos and all credit to him,” he said.

“He did a brilliant job to 
qualify for the Games but got pretty unlucky with his draw.

“Valentino was fighting at his third Games. He didn’t progress through the quarter-finals and win a medal, which just shows you how tough the competition is at the Olympics, especially in lightweight.”

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