NEW YORK CITY – Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor is heading back to familiar territory. The rising prospect will make his third straight appearance in Detroit — and fifth overall in Michigan — when he meets hard-hitting contender James Evans this Sunday in an eight-round clash at Little Caesars Arena.
The bout takes place on a major Salita Promotions event, streaming worldwide on DAZN and headlined by undisputed champion Claressa Shields in her showdown with Franchon Crews Dezurn. It will be the third time Taylor has competed on a card topped by Shields, giving the New Yorker valuable visibility on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Growing Spotlight in the Motor City
Detroit has quickly become a second home for Taylor, thanks in part to the relationship between his team and promoter Dmitry Salita.
“My promoter, Dimitry Salita, has a lot of connections in Detroit,” Taylor noted about fighting again in Detroit. “I like fighting and have no complaints about where. Wherever it is, I bring my New York City charisma. Claressa’s Detroit fans are 100-percent behind me and I’ve gained a lot of followers fighting on DAZN cards that she headlines.
“Claressa is an inspiration for what she has accomplished. We know each other through my coach. He was one of USA Boxing Team’s coaches when she was on it, so we are cool with each other and support each other. After my last fight, she gave me some good advice. She likes my style and said, “If I follow her advice, I’ll be faster, and she’s right.”
Momentum After December Win
Taylor (10-0, 6 KOs) enters the matchup riding the momentum of a dominant December performance. He captured a near shutout on the scorecards, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Michael Polite-Coffie and continuing to polish the tools that many believe make him one of the United States’ brightest young heavyweights.
Across the ring will be Toledo’s James Evans (9-2-1, 7 KOs), who is coming off a six-round unanimous decision victory over Vercell Webster last summer. Evans has shown power and resilience, with his setbacks coming against unbeaten opposition.
Ready for the Next Step
Having now logged back-to-back eight-round fights, the 29-year-old Taylor believes the time is near for an even bigger leap in competition.
“I feel like I’m ready for 10-plus rounds and title fights,” Taylor said. “I’ve been training to go 12 rounds. My stamina is much better now because of some changes we made in my training.”
Management Sees Breakout Opportunity
Taylor’s manager Keith Sullivan views the assignment as the perfect platform for his fighter to reach a wider audience.
“Claressa Shields sets the standard for championship excellence, and fighting on her undercard puts Pryce in front of a global audience,” Sullivan commented. “Pryce is ready to grab that moment and showcase why is the American heavyweight to watch.”
Sullivan, a former New York State Athletic Commission deputy commissioner, also manages several notable names, including Miyo Yoshida, Nisa Rodriguez, Kristian Prenga, Fei Faiva, and Brooklyn prospect Brooklyn Barwick. He additionally co-manages Paddy Donovan and Jim Donovan alongside former world champion Andy Lee.
For Taylor, Sunday represents more than another bout — it is a chance to keep climbing, in a city that continues to embrace him, on a broadcast seen around the world.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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