Pete Taylor preaches Pierce patience – promising powerful prospect has things to work on

Irish fight fans are right to be excited about the defection of Pierce O’Leary to the professional ranks, but no one should be getting carried away just yet suggests Pete Taylor. 

There has been some hype building around the former Docklands amateur, who won the Irish U22 title in January and has represented the country internationally as well as claiming a bucket-load of underage honours, over the last few years.

There were those waiting to see what impact he would have a senior amateur level whilst others were anxious to witness what he would be like as a pro.

The Dublin light welterweight has now signed a management deal with Mack The Knife Global and there is a degree of anticipation with regard to what should be a 2019 debut.

New coach Pete Taylor understands that excitement, but has warned fans the prospect is still in his teens and has a lot to learn.

Taylor, who also looks after the likes of Luke Keeler, David Oliver Joyce, Steve Collins Jr and Gary Cully among others, has been impressed with the Inner City Dub’s power, but notes he will have to work on refining the teen.

“He is only 19. He is only a young lad,” Taylor told Irish-boxing.com in a bid to create more realistic expectation levels.

“He has some power, but again he is young. We have to work on his boxing skills now. That will be the focus for now.  Hopefully we get him out a couple of times this year and lets see how he adapts to the pros. I am excited about Pierce and what he can do. There is a lot of potential there, but there are things to work on.”

O’Leary isn’t the only fighter Taylor is excited about working with. The former amateur coach of note is now developing a strong stable who train out of the Colosseum Gym in Ballyfermot.

“I am excited about the entire stable. We have some stable there now. You’ve got Gary Cully, Davy Oliver, Luke [Keeler] and six or seven other lads raring to go. The stable is getting bigger and stronger now so it’s exciting times. I am looking forward to helping all these lads.”