Whenever the topic is JT and his fights, I think I should always post this now. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56791 My take on his career after the 2nd Pavlik loss. Never wavered, nor changed.:deal
I was reading that thread I started about JT, and people that time really thought he WAS JUST STARTING..
I felt the same exact way about Taylor back then as well, maybe even a little before that. It amazed me before the Abraham fight how people thought he stood a chance or even thought he had any business in the Super Six in the first place. I couldn't believe so many people felt that way at the time. It amazes me even more how some complete idiots STILL think this poor guy has any business in the ring at all. Taylor was a decent fighter in his prime but was significantly overrated and never lived up to the hopes and expectations of most. During his prime he was mediocre in most aspects but had exceptional strength, natural toughness and athleticism, which all relied heavily on his youth, which he no longer has. He was never a smart fighter by any means. Those people a couple of years ago who said he was just starting couldn't have been more wrong. If anything, he went a little further than he deserved, with luck playing a small portion of his partially deserved success. Taylor was a good fighter, but far from a great fighter.
If you noticed, right after that last Hopkins fight, he was matched up against smaller men, and why? He has a susceptible chin and questionable stamina, which were quickly discovered the first time he fought a legit MW in Pavlik.
Exactly....I thought it was pathetic of him to take a fight against the MUCH smaller Spinks at the time. And even pathetically worse than that, I think Spinks took Taylor to school, as there is no doubt Taylor won a gift decision. Just another one of many undeserving accolades for Taylor. I'm not saying he's not a hell of a nice guy, just far from being a world class fighter.
And how about the Ouma fight? He was bullied, pressed for 12 rounds, and looked tired against the smaller guy. The funny thing about that fight, he almost punched himself out there.