Pryce Taylor believes he can become New York City’s next standout heavyweight—a fighter whose personality is as bold and unmistakable as the city he represents.

Taylor returns for his second fight of the year against Calvin Barnett at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia. Entering the bout at 11-0 with seven knockouts, the 29-year-old Brooklyn native cuts an imposing figure at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds. But beyond his size, it’s his presence that sets him apart.

While he may not be destined for Broadway, Taylor clearly sees himself as an entertainer. His ring entrances often carry a sense of humor, and he isn’t shy about showboating once the bell rings—something fans saw during his bout with Robert Simms. That flair reflects the energy of New York City, where confidence is essential and standing out is part of survival.

“My personality fits New York,” Taylor said. “You can’t be soft in New York, because it makes you look bad—like you’re the crazy one.”

Interestingly, Taylor’s toughness wasn’t forged in street fights or hardship, but in everyday competition. Growing up, he developed resilience through trash talk among peers and countless video game battles with his younger brother—matches he often lost.

“I was getting destroyed,” Taylor admitted. “But I never backed down. I had to find a way to get better.”

That persistence translated naturally to boxing, a sport built on repetition, discipline, and incremental improvement. Though still young for a heavyweight—where many champions compete into their late 30s or beyond—Taylor believes his greatest strength lies in mental fortitude.

“You have to develop thick skin,” he said. “It’s not just about being physically strong, but mentally strong too.”

Taylor enters this fight on the heels of a fifth-round stoppage victory over James Evans in February, as well as a win over Michael Polite-Coffie—two of the most notable victories of his career so far.

Barnett, 7-4 with four knockouts, brings his own momentum into the fight after defeating Drake Banks in March. The 34-year-old from Port Orange, Florida, has faced mixed results, with a notable loss to Federico Pacheco Jr., brother of rising contender Diego Pacheco.

Still, Taylor’s focus remains firmly on his own trajectory.

“I see myself as one of the top prospects in the heavyweight division,” he said. “When I get to the top, I’m going to prove myself. New York—we back each other.”