Boxing: Taylor in the fight of his life

Anthony Taylor's professional boxing career is in its early stages but is about to get a massive boost in publicity when he fights a well performed Australian fighter in Melbourne tomorrow night on the undercard to the Danny Green v Shane Cameron cruiserweight title bout.

Tauranga resident Taylor has had three wins and one draw from his four pro fights in the light welterweight division since stepping up to the paid ranks last year.

But the 24-year-old, who fought at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and won two senior national titles in 2008 and 2010, will face the biggest challenge of his career in Melbourne.

Taylor takes on Perth boxer Brandon Ogilvie, who is just 18 and rated highly by Green as one of the best young boxers in Australia.

He has won both of his pro fights by knockout and has lightning fast hands.

Chris Walker, who trains Taylor at his Tauranga gym, believes the bout against Ogilvie is a massive opportunity to kick-start Taylor's career.

"The fight will be on pay-for-view on Sky TV so is a pretty good opportunity for Anthony to really make a name for himself," Walker said.

"It will be great for his career and will be watched by a huge audience in New Zealand and Australia, so will be massive lift to his profile.

"It will open some doors for him if he wins for sure."

Taylor had another fight booked in Perth which fell through, opening up this high-profile opportunity.

"He has been training hard so he is definitely ready for this fight," Walker said.

"This fight is going to be a tough fight in their up-and-coming careers. Normally guys like these two get a few easy tune-up fights at the start of their careers but they are straight into it with this clash. This is no easy fight for either of them and we are confident.

"Anthony is talented and very strong. He is better suited to the pro ranks as he is so powerful. It is going to be great."