The 30-year-old hopes to follow the illustrious footsteps of Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe and Shannon Briggs in eventually becoming heavyweight world champion. For now though, he's keeping his feet on the ground.

"I am always honored when people make comparisons to Brooklyn's past greats," Taylor (13-0, 8 KOs) told The Ring. "But to be honest, I don't really think about the past, only the present and future.

"In order to be the best in today's world, I need to focus on what’s happening now."

The next step will take place on Saturday when he faces once-beaten Tsotne Rogava for a vacant regional title at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They will box over 10 rounds on the undercard preceding Abraham Perez's WBA interim flyweight world title defense against Yankiel Rivera, live on DAZN.

"I am excited," he said. "It's the beginning of the big things I can do in this division and this is where it starts, winning a very respected title.

"Some of the greatest heavyweights have won it like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, [Wladimir] Klitschko to name a few. I need to put on a good show and join them."

Taylor had an extensive amateur background, going 75-11 and winning two New York Golden Gloves titles. Despite this, he wasn't able to go to the Olympics and Rogava did at the delayed Tokyo 2021 edition. Securing a victory would go some waay to putting that disappointment behind him.

"He's big and has that Olympian experience," he acknowledged. "He has a great jab, but I watched tape and believe I will be able to counter him. I'll put him away with thunderous head and body shots, no matter what game plan he has or offense he brings."

Pryce, who stands 6-feet-4 and consistently weighs around 280 pounds, has gained valuable experience to help provide confidence before his biggest test yet. Sparring the likes of long-time WBC champion Deontay Wilder and perennial contenders Jarrell Miller and Otto Wallin have helped in that regard.

"It allowed me to see what the competition looks like at the top," he said. "It also shows me where I am at this stage and what I need to surpass it. All of those guys have tremendous work ethic, it motivated me to see them pushing so hard in and out of the gym."

A win over Rogava would be significant and give his career a push in the right direction.

"This title will help me get big fights around the world," he explained. "Rankings are most important and this belt will hopefully get me in the top 15. Like I said, this is the beginning of the journey. It starts November 7th with the win."

Rogava (13-1, 8 KOs) lost to eventual bronze medalist Frazer Clarke in the Olympics. He turned professional and moved through the ranks until afforded the opportunity to fight in the WBC Grand Prix in 2025.

The 33-year-old Ukrainian won his first two contests before losing a six-round majority decision to Ahmed Krnjic in August 2025, but has since returned to winning ways.