REST IN PEACE
1972 Olympian Billy Taylor has passed away
BILLY TAYLOR, who represented Great Britain at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, has passed away at the age of 69.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of former Repton boxer and coach Billy Taylor,” Repton’s Mark Newman said in a statement. “Billy dedicated his life to boxing and coaching boys to national championship level. Billy joined the Repton in the midsixties and developed his craft and skill at an early age. He lived in Haggerston where he also honed his boxing prowess at local St
Monica’s and the Colverston boxing clubs before coming to Repton.
“During his senior boxing career at the Repton, Billy went on to win national titles and box at the 1972 Olympics Munich. He defeated Lachen Magfhour of Morocco, before losing to Jochen Bachfeld of East Germany.
“Billy turned professional in 1973 and won all of his five professional fights. He then decided he wanted to pursue a career in acting. He joined the ‘Ugly’ agency and did quite well, starring in many films, adverts such as ‘Tango’ and later movies like Harry Potter.”
“We’re sad to hear the news of the passing of the legendary Billy Taylor,” London Boxing said in a statement. “Truly a brilliant boxer who won many domestic and international titles.
“A Repton boxer, Billy went on to open his own boxing gym, St. Osyth’s ABC on the east coast of Colchester, where he coached up until very recently.
“A hugely likeable and respected character on the boxing circuit. Our sincere condolences to Billy’s family at this heart-breaking time.”