Teen sensation James Power links up with Pete Taylor

Ireland’s youngest pro fighter has announced that he has linked up with trainer Pete Taylor.

Cork lightweight James Power confirmed the move on social media this evening.

Still just 17 years of age, the Leaving Cert student has racked up a 3-0 record with three knockouts since turning pro last September.

Power debuted in Mexico with a second-round knockout and would return to Tijuana for another in October before claiming a first-round stoppage in Hungary last month.

The Dripsey native is unable to box in Ireland professionally until he turns 18 next month.

Advised by Andy O’Neill and Conor Slater, Power was previously trained by Declan Geraghty Sr but now moves to Taylor.

He said that “as one door closes, another opens.”

“I am absolutely delighted to announce that Pete Taylor was kind enough to allow me join his talented team for the future.”

“Everyone has welcomed me with open arms and I am very lucky to join a group of lads that all share the same passion and mindset and who will always push me to become better.”

“This is only the beginning and I’m really excited to see what the future holds.”

The current Taylormade stable operates out of the Colosseum Gym in Ballyfermot.

The Leeds-born coach currently works with Ballyer middleweight Luke Keeler, Naas lightweight Gary Cully, Mullingar super featherweight Davey Oliver Joyce, Shankill heavyweight Sean Turner, Bray super bantamweight Sam Carroll, and Crumlin light welter Senan Kelly.

A former High Performance coach with the Irish team, Taylor guided his daughter, current unified lightweight champ Katie, to unparalleled success in the amateurs.

Since starting to work with pros in 2016, Taylor has cornered some big wins, with Turner stopping EBU-EE champ Arnold Gjergjaj and Keeler decisively beating Conrad Cummings.

Power is likely to feature on any future TG4 shows but is understood to be looking to squeeze in a fight abroad before this – and his exams this summer.