James Mclean Sports

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  • The Fight Never Stops With Taylor Bevan 

    Those new to boxing may imagine the big paydays in the shining lights of the biggest arenas in the world are normal among all those in the fight game. However, in reality, it is only a select few at the top of the tree that revel in the big bucks.

    The most common story is a constant balancing act between your personal and professional life when your world revolves around training and fighting. This is especially difficult for those just beginning their pro career, having to decide their priorities, in some cases, activity or sanity.

    A good example is Southampton local, Taylor Bevan, who is soon to fight in his hometown at St Mary’s Stadium in his second fight of 2026. It’s more good news for him after his first full year as a pro saw him step between the ropes six times, but it came with sacrifices. 

    The 25-year-old clearly knows what he wants, and it could mean wonders for his career, in which he’s already been touted as a future world champion:

    “I wasn’t expecting to be as active as I have been, every two months.

    “It’s been the perfect first year.”

    However, Bevan revealed the relentlessness he’s had to deal with to get the results he was after:

    “Haven’t had too much time between fights. A six, seven-week camp, then a week or two off and then the next camp.” 

    Having six fights in one year is even more impressive given boxing often provides no stability, leaving fighters unable to settle into normal routines. Instead they have to spend countless hours in the gym, just in case the call for the next fight is just around the corner:

    “You never know when you’ll be boxing”

    Luckily, Taylor is hot property and could look back with a smile when he remembers that one of those six fights took place at the iconic York Hall:

    “Eddie [Hearn] seems to put on a few more shows there and my supporters enjoyed that venue the most, but that one was a special atmosphere.

     “Really enjoyed it”

    But such is a boxer’s life, he didn’t have long to rant and rave about it before the next step up called, but he was prepared:

    “It’s been difficult, but I’m used to the busy schedule from the amateurs.”

    The level of activity from his formative years has made the need for it at the higher level easier to deal with:

    “I’ve always been busy in my boxing career. I wouldn’t have done that any other way. 

    “I think it’s much better to be busy and get on with it.”

    Bevan carries power in abundance.

    He currently holds a 100% knockout percentage. However, that does bring the pressure of trying to keep it as long as possible, but he knows there’s going to be a time when it falls:

    “I’ve got a 100% knockout rate at the moment, but I don’t put any pressure on myself to keep that. If I get them out then that’s a bonus.  

    “As long as they get locked up, I’m more than happy.

    “I’m going to go the distance at some point in my career. 

    “Very rarely do people have a 100% knockout rate their whole career, it’s something I’m going to come across.”

    The Southampton native is keen to take what he has done so far in his career to turn 2027 into a very successful year for him:

    “Boxing for a little title or something, but I’ll leave that to the team who’ll decide how far we are going to step up the level of the opponent. 

    “I think this time next year, I’d think I probably wouldn’t have been as active as I have the

    first year because as the rounds start building, I can’t box as frequently.

    “I’d like to stay as active as I can and maybe start to look at a few little

    titles.”

    Some goals he won’t have to wait till next year for, and instead will realise them on June 20th. 

    “Maybe a little show or main event somewhere down south would be nice.”

    “I’d like Southampton. Obviously, most of my support at the moment is coming from Southampton. 

    “That’s where I’ve grown up and that’s where my mates are from.

    He’s about to realise his childhood dream that he’s predicted almost perfectly:

    “They’ve got St. Mary’s there, maybe in the summer time, a nice day.

    “That would be a nice idea, something I thought about growing up.”

    With the right skills and a strong mentality already present, June 20th will be the day Bevan’s hectic schedule rewards him by bringing him home. 

  • Sholing 3 – 0 Evesham

    Sho-offs are back in the winning habit

    SHOLING KLASS ABOVE ROBINS

    For the first time since the start of November, Sholing emerged victorious at home, and in some fashion against Evesham. Two of the three goals were scored by players who have only recently signed on the dotted line.

    Sholing’s Vinnie Tume continued his revolutionary start to life on the south coast by linking up with Brad Targett to threaten within seconds of the first whistle.

    It was another new arrival, Michael Klass, who put Sholing ahead in just two minutes, sending his effort from outside the box, through a sea of players, and past Alex Harris, only after an initial offside call due to the deflection was overturned.

    Sholing’s transfers were proven astute once more, as Tommy-Lee Higgs also got his name on the scoresheet, cutting in from the left and finding a home to give the Boatmen a 2-0 lead to take into the break.

    The lead went to three ten minutes into the second half, thanks to the head of Joe Rabbets, who ran in quick to convert a cross from the other side of the pitch.

    It took until the 63rd minute for Dec McCarthy to be tested, the strike from Aaron Heap, was at a comfortable height for him to make the save.

    Heap’s effort was the closest Evesham got to reclaiming some pride, and there was very little that could be taken away from a superb Sholing performance.

  • Sholing 0 – 1 Bracknell Town

    Speedy Alfa strikes to sink the Boatmen

    ALFA-ROBINS SINK BOATMEN

    Sholing suffered their first home defeat of the season against a much better Bracknell side, for whom, Ody Alfa’s goal was enough.

    For the exception of a few early chances that their defences were equal to, the two keepers could’ve got a deck chair out and read a newspaper.

    It remained that way until the 11th minute, and it was Dec McCarthy in the Sholing goal that was sent sprawling, thanks to Ody Alfa finishing off a lovely drive from Giovanni McGregor, into the bottom corner.

    A series of duels between Michael Folivi and the Bracknell defence then ensued, an acrobatic save from Zaki Oualah and the post kept the Robins one up, and Ethan Burden’s dignity intact, after Folivi had his way with him.

    Bracknell were ready for Sholing to be quick out of the blocks for the second half, making sure chances for the Boatmen continued to be few and far between.

    The away side simultaneously kept their own box clear, while making sure the other end was being constantly challenged. Only the knees of Dec McCarthy kept Seb Bowerman from doubling the lead.

    The two captains, Bowerman and Jake Hesketh, got each other in the book after a tangle, as Bowerman claimed he was kicked, but it looked as though Hesketh went to swing for the ball as the Bracknell skipper sent it away.

    The Robins could have easily got a late second, but their work was done.

  • SHOLING 5 – 3 HUNGERFORD

    FIVE-STAR BOATMEN OVERCOME CRUSADERS

    FIVE-STAR BOATMEN OVERCOME CRUSADERS

    For the second season in a row, Sholing scored at will at home against Hungerford, though they did have to take the lead back twice.

    thanks to Vinny Tume being able to turn in from a tight angle, after it seemed he had done too much, Sholing took the lead 12 minutes in.

    Once again, the Boatmen came up against a former friend, this time, Fabio Lopes, who got the last touch past Dec McCarthy to draw his new side level.

    Folivi got his goal to take the advantage back, and into the break, but only after Jake McCarthy’s rabona put him through.

    The visitors drew first blood in the second period, levelling again when Harry Williams got a foot to a cross, and the momentum of both combined was enough to beat McCarthy.

    Minimal time had passed when a mistimed challenge within eighteen yards allowed Folivi to reinstate the lead once more.

    Their fourth came not long after, Jake McCarthy got a goal of his own, dispossessing the back line and lobbing Hungerford keeper, Jenson Kilroy.

    Diamond Edwards kept things interesting, capitalizing on indecision in the defence, and finding the roof of the net, taking the score to 4-3.

    Jake McCarthy fired hard and low, getting his second to give Sholing back the lead, taking their tally to five, finally burying the visitors.

  • FOLIVI SAVES UNBEATEN RUN

    FOLIVI SAVES UNDEFEATED RUN IN HARD FOUGHT GAME

    Having lost this fixture last season, Sholing took a point off Hanwell at home, with credit again going to Michael Folivi, whose 57th minute strike kept their loss column empty.

    Much to the annoyance of the Boatmen faithful, it was their goalmouth that was the busiest in the infancy. To add fuel to the fire, Gianni Critchlow, who started the season in red and white, was key.

    If not for the fingertips of Craig King, Kameron English would’ve given the Geordies the lead. Moments later, Michael Folivi was denied at the other end.

    Crichlow got under his old employer’s skin once more, earning former teammate, Bradley Targett, not in their first meeting of the day, a word with the referee.

    Hanwell keeper, Sam Beasant, repaid his defence with several top class saves as the half ended.

    The visitors went ahead mere minutes into the second period, Daniel Carr found a bit of room and sent a thunderbolt straight into the top left corner.

     Beasant tried to get Folivi cautioned, but the official made very clear to those in attendance that he felt there was no contact.

    Folivi got revenge by finally breaching the Hanwell back line, sliding in the equaliser. He had two more chances in quick succession to turn the game around.

    The Geordies came very close to snatching all three points at the death, after a crossbar-bound free kick, but it ended all square.

  • 10-MEN SHOLING OVERCOME ALL ODDS

    Ten-man Boatmen overcome all odds

     Despite losing a man early, Dan Mason and Reece Wylie fired Sholing to dramatic 3-2 victory over Weymouth

    After huge pressure in the Weymouth box, Dan Mason capitalised on an opening in the defence which left Ben Clarke stranded and Sholing leading, 16 minutes in.

    Courtesy of Harry Taylor’s sending off for a handball in the box, Jake McCarthy sent King the wrong way from twelve yards to level matters.

    The pain worsened for the Boatmen as Michael Folivi, scorer of over twenty goals last season, had to leave the field for Gianni Crichlow, Sholing’s second first half change.

    The momentum going into the break fell the way of the Terras, who took the lead with after Rueben Reid’s free header from inside the box found it’s way into the Sholing net.

    Crichlow created all the excitement for the home fans in the early part of the second half, but the net wasn’t found.

    After Weymouth had scuppered several chances to make it three, Reece Wylie took it upon himself to smash a left footed half volley into the top corner, earning his side a deserved leveller.

    Sholing sensed there was another goal in the tie for them and in the absence of Folivi, Mason took the mantle and scored his second of the game, turning the game on its head with less than ten minutes to go and the points were theirs.

  • Sholing 2 – 1 Bracknell

    Available In Non League Paper

    Boatmen sail on thanks to Michael

    FOLIVI CAUSES ROBINS COLLAPSE

    Sholing can once again thank Michael Folivi for turning the scoreline upside down to secure victory after conceding first against Bracknell.

    Bracknell’s Ethan Burden had a baptism of fire for a start, first picking up a caution for a late challenge on Romeo Akinola and then failing to stop him and Billie Busari.

    Spencer Spurway had a great start to the game and continued it by cutting out a certain goal after Sebastian Bowerman had rounded Patrick Nash but the Robins’ made good as Gabriel George headed home on 13 minutes from the proceeding corner.

    Spurway didn’t let the fact that the visitors had taken the lead deter him, getting his elbows out, literally it seemed as Jordan Esprit took a breather beside the goal.

    Darryl Harrison tangled with Reece Wylie and at the expense of a booking, Blaise Riley Snow made sure he didn’t get away with it.

    The Boatmen started the second half by drawing level, once again thanks to the magic  Michael Folivi as he delivered a sublime overhead kick, peeled his shirt off and hurdled towards his bench who were out with open arms.

    Sholing took over following the goal, a header from Dan Mason forced Michael Eacott to quickly dive to his right and to his credit managed to get a good hand to it.

    As injury time approached, Folivi won and converted a late penalty that won the game for Sholing.

  • MAJESTIC MARTYRS ON BRINK OF TITLE

    Non League Paper

    MAJESTIC MARTYRS ON BRINK OF TITLE

    On a bank holiday Friday where the weather was anything but good, Sholing did all they could but Merthyr were at their best to claim a 3-0 win that all but secures the title.

    Sholing started the aggressors and forced the Merthyr keeper, Jaimie Cogman, to come out early to cut off Michael Folivi, who was looking to round off a great team move.

    Throughout the game, the travelling fans were in full voice and made the stand behind the goal that their men were attacking their own.

    As the ten minute mark approached, Cogman had every right to have some words with his defenders, as they reacted slow to many Sholing crosses.

    On 12 minutes, Cole Jarvis gave the visitors the lead, striking just below the bar. Even if the crowd couldn’t see what happened, the Merthyr fans’ reaction behind the goal would’ve revealed the outcome.

    In the aftermath, the Boatmen were not intimidated, they quickly stabilised and began challenging once more.

     The Martyr’s lead was doubled on 35 minutes, Tom Handley being first to react to a corner and headed home.

    The hosts started the second half in the same way they started the first and it was Folivi once more, using his trademark footwork to send several defenders to the floor.

    However, also like in the first half, it was the visitors who had the first cracks at goal, the best chance came from the foot of Cole Jarvis, who aimed to get his second.

    In spite of the constant threats, the Boatmen were rock solid, determined to not let a third in, leaving their number one, Pat Nash, with little to do.

    As the clock ticked over to 70 minutes, there were no clear-cut chances for either side and the midfield was where the action was.

    That was until the 83rd minute, when Kane Simpson got the third, turning in to Nash’s near left post, which settled matters.

    Sholing did their best, but Merthyr were on their A game to gain the victory but a draw from Totton means the Martyrs’ must wait another week to claim the title.

  • KEEPER NASH IS SENT OFF AS BOATMEN STAY AFLOAT

    Non League Paper

    KEEPER NASH IS SENT OFF AS BOATMEN STAY AFLOAT

    Sholing were barely challenged in their solid 2-0 victory over Taunton, the only problem being from their own doing as keeper, Patrick Nash, didn’t see out the 90 minutes.

    The Taunton goal was the first to be challenged, Jake Hesketh and Daniel Mason combining to allow Mason, while being dragged, to head just past Josh Gould’s post.

     A huge defensive blunder left Gould slightly embarrassed, it provided an open goal for Mason to score the first of the game.

    Handbags were briefly thrown between Jake Hesketh and Ryan Cainey, both got their names in the book.

    Michael Folivi converted a penalty late in the first period, giving Sholing a two-goal lead going into the break.

    Taunton’s defensive stability didn’t improve in the infancy of the second period, Sholing had much of the attacking presence.

    The linesman was having his own fun at the expense of Gould, after dismissing a claim that Folivi was within ten yards as he lined up for a goal kick, a notable smile appeared on his face.

    A hitch on the home sides performance was that Sholing keeper, Patrick Nash collided with Christopher Zebroski, but because he was the last man, he was given his marching orders and Joe Rabbets was forced to fill in.

    In all honesty, the red card was the most exciting part of a rather poor second half as Sholing survived the late scare and won.

  • BOATMEN UNDONE BY FAST CARR’S SPOT-KICK

    Non League Paper version:

    BOATMEN UNDONE BY FAST CARR’S SPOT-KICK

    Despite a red card and numerous Sholing penalty calls, Hanwell claimed an away day victory but can thank their own dubious spot kick for the three points.

    With sunny but windy weather, added to the atmosphere created by both sets of supporters, the stage was set for what would become feisty mid table clash.

    It didn’t take long for Hanwell’s Harry Seabrook and Dwayne Duncan to see they were in for a long day, having to keep up with Michael Folivi.

    A very contentious penalty was awarded to the visitors in the seventh minute, after Reece Wylie pulled Alfie Pendlebury’s arm, even with a delayed response, Daniel Carr converted.

    Three of the Hanwell back line had to combine to knock Folivi off the ball in the box, after he managed to stay on his feet after previous challenges, the penalty claims were disregarded, despite the claims being as strong as the ones for the Hanwell spotkick.

    Pendlebury had been acting more like a prime Vinnie Jones rather than a lead striker, he eventually got his reward of a booking for going studs up on Pat Nash.

    There were more yellow cards handed to the Hanwell management than there were for their eleven players on the pitch, that along with the penalty was the only real action in the first period. HT 0-1

    The away side simultaneously tried to grab a second as well as hold onto to their lead, they had recognised Sholing were still dangerous, so much so their keeper came out and was lucky not to receive a caution as he looked to have caught Folivi.

    Alfie Pendlebury continued to bring doubt onto whether he was actually a striker as he managed to blunder an open goal, after a perfect set up from Taylor Miles.

    Spencer Spurway stood out for the Boatmen, his individual defensive performances playing a part in restricting the guests’ chances at goal.

    Sholing were up in arms, and rightly so, after the referee denied another penalty, despite Bradley Targett being dragged to the floor and this was even more clear than the one for Hanwell were awarded.

    Pendlebury had to say goodbye to this game, he was given a second yellow for swinging an elbow and he wont’ choose to remember this game. However, his side still manage to survive a late Sholing spree and win. FT 0-1