Rising Banbury boxing star Chris Taylor is now ranked among the best in the country after taking a bronze medal at the prestigious National Amateur Championships.

Power-punching Chris, who represents Banbury Boxing Club, bowed out of the tournament in the semi-finals but not before leaving his mark on the competition.

After putting together an impressive winning streak that saw him crowned Home Counties champion, Chris was faced against James Smith of Burnley’s Sandygate boxing club for Sunday’s (April 12) semi-final bout.

Chris got to work straight away in the first round and was able to land effective jabs to his opponent's body and head.

Chris Taylor with his bronze medal alongside brother Johnny and coaches Ben Malcher and Reggie Brown.

placeholder image — Chris Taylor with his bronze medal alongside brother Johnny and coaches Ben Malcher and Reggie Brown.

The second round saw the Burnley man come out strong to control the centre of the ring and forced Chris to box off the back foot.

The third was another closely contested round, with both athletes matching each other's work rate and determination to put on a great display of boxing.

After three tough rounds, Smith was given a unanimous points verdict and will progress to the finals held this Saturday (April 18) at Derby Arena.

Speaking about Chris’ fantastic run in the national championships, coach at Banbury Boxing Club, Ben Malcher, said: “It wasn’t quite the fairytale ending for Chris in this tournament, but he has certainly made his mark as an elite competitor on a national stage in his first season as a senior.

“During this National Amateur Championships campaign Chris has been crowned the Home Counties Regional Champion, beat the England number two seed and shows he belongs at this level, he’s on the radar of team England and GB Boxing, which is Chris’s ultimate goal.”

Chris, alongside his twin brother Johnny, has been making waves in the amateur boxing scene, picking up medals at development championships and at the Manchester Box Cup last year.

Chris also made local history by becoming the first boxer from Banbury Boxing Club to wear an England vest and box for his country in an international contest.

The future looks bright for the Taylor twins, and Chris’s latest performance on the national stage suggests big wins are just around the corner.