Ex-Boxing Champ Held For Rape

Meldrick Taylor, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist and former junior welterweight champion, was in custody today after reportedly being accused of attempted rape.

The 33-year-old boxer who went on to become a minister is accused of attacking a woman Sunday, police told WCAU-TV. Police would not tell the station where in Philadelphia or what time the attack is said to have occurred.

Police told The Associated Press they will make a statement about Taylor but did not say when.

Taylor was being held at the discretion of his probation officer, police said.

Police told WCAU the woman was not believed to have injuries requiring hospitalization.

Taylor is from Philadelphia and started boxing at 8 years old. He won a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics and took the IBF junior welterweight title four years later. He never lost a fight until March 17, 1990, when he was defeated by Julio Cesar Chavez, then 68-0.

Taylor dominated until the Mexican champion knocked him down and hurt him badly in the 12th round. Taylor was on his feet when referee Richard Steele waved the fight over with just two seconds left in one of boxing's more controversial decisions.

Taylor went on to win the WBA welterweight belt in 1991, but the Chavez fight had taken its toll. He lost two straight bouts in 1992, then dropped the rematch against his nemesis in 1994.

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