Jermain Taylor & His True Intentions

Boxing is more than just flashing lights, high-profile crowds and ticket sales, ya know. It's a damn tough competitive sport that puts man vs. man, or killer vs. killer. Although the knockout or defeat of another human being in such a triumphing sport is as drastic as it is entertaining. There was a time in Jermain's career where you saw "champion" written all over him. Spectacular soilder inside and outside the ring, he was. The jab was remarkable, the speed and whenever his right hand landed it was sure to do damage. But as champions rise, champions fall. Taylor didn't see his 28th victory on September 29, 2007 in a matchup with Kelly Pavlik.

The 7th round knockout wasn't a humbling journey - no, it was more so a learning experience for the Arkansas native, Taylor. You're still looking at one of the sturdiest middleweights in the sport. He's still the same and only guy to hand Bernard Hopkins two back to back losses and keep Winky Wright honest in their showdown two years ago. After his draw with Wright, Taylor's performances begin to come under question even though some felt his opponents were far overmatched. For many, we thought bringing in legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward would help him hone his craft. Manny tried, Jermain tried, but it just did not work. Corner communication failed and as a result, Taylor often had difficulty in the ring focusing on his gameplan. In the end, Manny would end up leaving Taylor's corner. Leaving Taylor to seek his amateur coach in Ozell Nelson.

Despite the loss, Taylor showed heart as he tried to fight the bigger, stronger Pavlik off of him where his speed was more apparent. "I take nothing away from him," stated a relaxed Taylor in his interview with HBO's Larry Merchant. "He fought a good fight and he got me." Perhaps Taylor needed that experience of losing his reign as the #1 middleweight in order to reach the motivation and hunger he seeks today. When he faces Pavlik again, he'll be out for something to prove.

On February 16, 2008, Jermain Taylor will rematch Kelly Pavlik with a whole new gameplan, new trainer and new intentions on his mind. The fight will take place at 166lbs. Both Taylor and Pavlik are beneficiaries of the catch weight, given both have stated how difficult it is to make 160lbs. Not only is he looking to defeat Pavlik, but to regain the respect and adulation that he once was known for. As stated through the pres, Pavlik's middleweight title will not be on the line because the fight is taking place beyond the middleweight limit.

It'll be another exciting event; the fight will take place on the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM Grand Casino. Both combatants are expected to veer off into different directions regardless off the outcome of this fight. If Taylor wins, many expect he will head north to Super middleweight (168lbs) and campaign there - hoping to attract the likes of a Mikkel Kessler or Joe Calzaghe. There might even be a chance for a rubber match if Taylor wins. The public demand would be far too great to avoid. If Pavlik were to win the rematch, Taylor may still head to 168lbs, while Pavlik would continue his reign as middleweight champion.