Undefeated British light-heavyweight Ezra Taylor is no longer a rising star — he’s a serious contender with elite ambitions. In this gripping conversation with former world champion Darren Barker, Ezra lays out his path to boxing’s summit.

With 12 wins, 8 KOs, and a WBC International belt already under his name, Ezra doesn’t pull punches. He wants the best — Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev, Callum Smith, and David Benavidez. And he’s not talking dream fights. He’s talking next fights.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• Callouts with conviction – Why Ezra believes he’s a threat to Bivol & Beterbiev right now.
• From amateur frustration to pro focus – The missed weigh-in that changed his life and set him on a world-title path.
• Malik Scott & LA training – How training in America transformed his discipline, stamina, and style.
• No plan B – Faith, purpose, and sacrifice: the mindset that drives Ezra through every setback.
• The Tommy Fury challenge – Why Ezra demanded to face Tommy’s past opponent — and made a statement.
• September showdown? – The personal grudge with Louis Edmondson that could explode in Nottingham.

🧠 Plus:

His Mount Rushmore of boxing, thoughts on Beterbiev vs Bivol III, Dubois vs Usyk 2, and what it really takes to make it in modern boxing.

Follow First Round TV for more raw, honest conversations with the sport’s future legends.

0:00 – Intro: Ezra joins Darren Barker

2:45 – Naming the Targets: Bivol, Beterbiev, Smith & Benavidez

6:10 – Prospect to Contender: Quitting comparisons to Yarde

9:00 – Inner Confidence: Facing imposter syndrome

12:30 – Childhood & Boxing Origins: Starting at age 15

16:15 – Amateur Journey: 18 fights and missed Olympic dream

19:45 – Turning Pro: Debut KO, earning “The Cannon”

23:30 – Facing Journeymen: Why Ezra demanded hard matches

27:10 – WBC International Title: 10-round milestone

30:50 – Training with Malik Scott in LA: New preparation

34:20 – High-Risk, Low-Reward: Why he's avoided

37:00 – Next Fight Buzz: Glasgow/Trevor Edmondson grudge

39:45 – Life Beyond the Ring: Social work, hustle, and humility

43:15 – Dream Match: Calling out Dmitry Bivol for undisputed

46:00 – Trilogy Talk: Beterbiev vs. Bivol breakdown

48:10 – Academy Analysis: Benavidez vs. division elite

50:00 – Mount Rushmore & Final Thoughts: Faith, focus, future