Sean McComb hails Pete Taylor Ahead of Upcoming Bout with Crocker

Sean McComb has paid tribute to his coach Pete Taylor—father of undisputed champion Katie Taylor—crediting the veteran trainer not only for elevating his own career but also as one of the sport’s sharpest minds.

McComb and Taylor have now worked together for nearly three years, forging a close fighter-coach bond that the Belfast native describes as both seamless and strategic.

During their partnership, McComb (19-2, 5 KOs) has scored notable wins over the likes of Sam Maxwell and Kaisee Benjamin. However, a controversial split-decision loss to Arnold Barboza Jr. in 2023 still lingers in the memory of boxing fans. That night, judges Tom Schreck and Don Trella left many stunned when they handed Barboza a narrow and widely questioned victory on home soil.

While Barboza has since moved on to a world title fight, McComb found himself in limbo—uncertain when his next major opportunity would arise. But despite the setback, he says the experience only deepened his admiration for Taylor’s tactical brilliance.

“We really understand each other,” McComb explained. “We share the same perspective on scoring and strategy, and when we discuss a fight, we’re always on the same page.

“There’s a strong bond between us, and that comes from trust. When you trust your coach completely, your performances improve naturally. I’ve said it many times, but Pete is the best coach in the world. He knows the sport inside and out, and he always gives me the confidence to execute any game plan he creates.”

Taylor, of course, is also best known for guiding the career of his daughter Katie Taylor, a two-weight undisputed world champion. Most recently, he played a pivotal role in her tactical shift during the July trilogy bout against Amanda Serrano. While many expected another firefight, Katie delivered a more composed, strategic performance to secure the win—highlighting her father’s influence. That evolution didn’t go unnoticed by McComb.

“Pete was instrumental in that performance,” he said. “He’s been telling me for a long time that Katie could make fights easier for herself. I think he had a serious chat with her, like, ‘You can’t keep going to war every time. It’s not just about the fans—it’s your career.’ And you could see the difference in her approach.”

With Katie back training under her father’s watchful eye, McComb believes the entire gym is benefitting from their synergy.

“Having her around brings the best out of Pete,” he added. “Whenever they’re working together, he brings new ideas and tactics to the rest of us too.”

Now, McComb is deep in preparation once again, working closely with Taylor as he gears up to face Ben Crocker this Saturday in Sheffield. The bout headlines a GBM Sports card and pits McComb against an opponent whose aggressive style could previously have caused problems—but not anymore.

“Crocker didn’t have to take this fight, so that tells you his team believes they see something,” McComb said. “But with Pete’s tactical mind and our preparation, we plan to prove them wrong.

“Welsh fighters are like the Irish—tough, maybe not the most technically sound, but they make up for it with grit and strength. I know that firsthand. I was underprepared when I fought Gavin Gwynne, and I paid for it.”

McComb suffered a seventh-round stoppage loss to Gwynne in 2021, a defeat that remains his only loss to a relentless, pressure-fighting style. But under Taylor’s guidance, he believes he’s now cracked the code.

“I learned a lot from that fight,” McComb said. “And if I face that kind of opponent again—perfect. I know exactly how to handle it now. That style is the only one that’s ever beaten me, and I’ve made sure it won’t happen again.”