FIGHTERS MAGAZINE FEB 2008

GOLDENBELT WORLD TITLE

Leif Taggart Great Britain Vs Tyler Price America

I was personally invited by Alby and Jo of Golden Belt on the evening of
27th October 2007to the Lancashire Manor Hotel, Skelmersdale to see a
great evening of kickboxing and International rules. To add to the benefit,
young Leif Taggart, who both myself and my partner follow and support closely, was
fighting for the Golden Belt 48-50kg Amateur International Rules World title.

The setting and the show was absolutely fabulous and we were well looked after. The
night was full of top quality fights, right through from Junior to senior level. Sat ringside,
we awaited the entrance of the two young warriors knowing Tyler Price was
well known for his knockout power. Leif however was well aware of this and his
superb ring craft and movement would be a key element in his success.

The entrance music started and both guys entered the ring, Tyler doing the all
American “Glam n Glitz” entrance whilst Leif seemed to take such a prestigious title
calmly in his stride. Cornering Leif was his Thai Instructor David Mc Robb from Teeside
Thai and his Father Bob. After both national anthem’s had been played it was “Game On”

ROUND 1
A Tentative few seconds as each fighter waits for the other to make the first move.
Tyler then comes forward with powerful punches making Leif aware that Tyler is
already after the knockout.
Leif uses his ring craft well and avoids and counters, he moves around the ring making
Tyler come after him then suddenly moves forward and lands a perfect spinning back
kick to Tyler’s head which makes a sickening thud and draws gasps from the crowd. This
is caught on video and looks even more devastating than the photos can portray.
Tyler remains on his feet much to Leif’s disbelief and makes Leif realise that is not
going to be an easy fight. Tyler covers up well for the remaining few
seconds and as the bell sounds Leif’s foot is once again planted at Tyler’s head.

ROUND 2
Round 2 started at a much faster pace with Tyler coming out swinging fast and furiously
although not many of the shots connected. Leif however countered with a flurry of low
kicks which made Tyler think twice about rushing in so fast.
Tyler stopped in the middle of the round indicating he had been fouled with a low blow
but with the referee on the spot no comment was made. Tyler was given time to recover.
The fight restarted with Tyler coming forward like a steam train throwing very powerful
big punches, one or two catching Leif on the head.
The round ended with Leif looking as though he was slightly ahead on kick rate.

ROUND 3
The round started with both fighters coming out a little more cautious.
Leif suddenly planted a flurry of front kicks into Tyler’s face; Tyler then came forward
rapidly trying to end the fight there and then with a series of furious well timed
blows at Leif. Leif is not only a good technician and mover, he proved on this night he
can defend well and take a shot and absorb it well. A good sign in any champion.
Leif countered quickly, moved off the ropes, backed into his own corner and threw a
round kick at Tyler, followed by 2 more front kicks, again, to the Americans face.
The round ended with the crowd on their feet cheering tremendously. It was proving
to be a very entertaining fight.

ROUND 4
By this round both guy’s knew they were in for no one way traffic, Leif after feeling Tyler’s
punches and Tyler, Leif’s kicks. Both now showing great respect for each others skills.
Both fighters throwing probing punches and low kicks, each trying to find a way past the
guard of their opponent.
Suddenly Leif throw a front kick once again finding Tyler’s head causing him to stumble,
the end to a slow but more cautious round.

ROUND 5
The final round started with Tyler coming out knowing that he needed a KO to win
this tremendous fight, he came out throwing some really big overhead punches but Leif
countered with a flurry of high and low kicks keeping Tyler at a distance.
Tyler tried to close Leif down but Leif aware that Tyler having a very strong punch kept
his guard well up, moved round the ring and kept off with his legs.
The round ended with both fighters obviously feeling the effects of 5 fast and furious
well fought rounds.
The fighters returned to their corners and must have both felt as though they had
given their all. There was a standing ovation and much respect off the crowd for both
fighters. They awaited the judges decision.

The result was out, it was a unanimous decision in favour of the new World Champion
in the red corner, “Lethal” Leif Taggart.
There was a massive cheer and the Amercan’s applauded the decision knowing
Tyler needed that little bit more or the even that KO he was obviously capable of.

SUMMARY
A junior World Title fight that will stay in the minds of many who watched it for a
long time to come.
Well done to both fighters, Tyler was certainly a worthy opponent and Leif a worthy winner.

A great career ahead for both youngsters.

FIGHTERS MAGAZINE MAY 2007

Middlesbrough’s Leif Taggart isn’t nicknamed ‘Lethal’ for nothing, for what he lacks in
size, he more than makes up for in talent and sheer hard work. The 15-year-old
boasts more gold than Mr T and a trophy cabinet bigger than Manchester United’s.
He has won well over 200 kick and thai boxing gongs since his debut at the age of
eight, the highlight being four world titles at the WUMA worlds last year. And he isn’t
finished there - not by a long chalk.
“I love the sport, both from a fitness point of view, the competition and meeting
new friends,” said Leif, who lives on Middlesbrough’s Thorntee estate.
“Winning four world titles was fantastic and makes all of the hard work worthwhile. But
I want to keep going now and make the transition into the adults, although putting
on weight is a big issue for me. I have a really fast metabolism and struggle to make
45kg at the moment - I should be over 50kg. That’s a priority for me, but I want to
keep on going and winning, eventually turn pro and have my own gym, and maybe
even get into MMA some day.”
Leif is a well-known and respected face on the British junior kick circuit, and is
always willing to fight at the drop of a hat. He has has amassed a second-to-none CV,
despite suffering from a hyperactivity disorder, including the WUMA British
Schoolboys Full Contact title, two WUMA European golds and 2 FIST English belts at
different weights in 2006. 

But he is no big mouth, always showing respect and a humble
attitude.“I started off at Birmingham Pythons before moving up North and joining Scorpio
Freestyle Kickboxing,” said the Ormesby School pupil. “My first instructor Paul
Sutton has been there for me for 10 years and was always willing to put in extra time
with me at the beginning to help settle me down. And my present trainer Gary Jowers
has helped me be more aware of how to get ready for fights, both mentally and physically.
It’s not all just the physical training, you need to be mentally prepared as well. I like
to think I do that and I’m always up for a challenge but I don’t like to throw down
challenges, not because I am scared of anyone but it gives the impression that you
think you are better than the person you challenge. I just wait to be offered fights - I’d
like to be even more active in the ring.”

Leif follows a strict training regime with Teesside’s Scorpio club - following a combination
of sparring, technique and fitness four to five times a week, and plenty of
extra stamina graft before fights. It’s a recipe that has paid off time and again but he
insists there is still plenty of room for improvement. “I’m happy
with my legs, people always comment about my speed and power,” he said. “I need to get my
hand power and speed to equal my legs and then I’ll be happier. And, as I say, Idefinitely need to
grow! But I’ve had a lot of hard fights - my first full contact schoolboys bout against Chris Andrews springs to
mind and a German lad I met at the worlds. That’s why I train so hard - there is always room to improve even those at the
top have to constantly improve because of all the good up and coming Fighters. There will always be someone ready to step into your
shoes so it’s an ongoing thing and you can always learn more. For example, I really admire Michael Johnstone, Andy Burton and Mark
‘Iceman’ Smith - they are all fighters I would like to be like.”

A key part of success is the team you have around you and Leif gets all of the help and moral support he needs from parents
Sharon and Bob, plus top training tips from British K-1 star Gary ‘Smiler’ Turner.
And his exploits have brought him media recognition and financial backing from
Auto Recovery Services,
Martialforce.co.uk and
Tees Valley Community Foundation.

With an iron will to win and the right support in tow, 2007 should be another bumper year for
‘Lethal’ Leif Taggart.

May 2007 FIGHTERS Page 65 Leif Taggart
Just getting started!
By Adam Steel