Jermain Taylor news...

I wouldn't say he can't compete...I mean who has looked better recently against Carl Froch, who is in the mix to win it. I don't know how he would fair against Ward, but based on observation I believe he could do OK, I would be weary of the huge punchers of the division but outside of that he has the skills to compete with anybody based on his resume.

 

#1 he began this pattern of fading when he surrounded himself with "Yes men" instead of trainers and real corner guys. That's his fault and I don't mean to make as if he's some sort of victum but the bottom line is that he was in shape, undercontrol, and worked behind a strong jab while working with Pat Burns. When he came to the corner he got instructions/coaching instead of the "do you baby" type **** Ozell brought to the table. Don't get me wrong, Ozell Nelson is a great dude, but he's not an Elite level teacher/trainer. Pat Burns isn't the top of the line, but relative to what Jermain needs, he's as good as it gets. He reminds me of the guy who trains Froch, he's not going to bull**** around, he's not a "rah rah" guy, he's a coach. Some fighters don't need that, but Jermain does, he will be a different and better fighter working with Pat. Now that doesn't mean he'll be the undisputed champ again, but he can make some noise and anyone who doesn't take the man seriously runs the risk of being beaten.
Your statement about Pavlik...I disagree, again, there is a clear style difference between JT with Burns and JT with Manny or Nelson, JT with Burns isn't as "entertaining" but is more effective and in my opinion would beat Kelly Pavlik, but obviously that's simply speculation. You've watched Pavlik be absolutely destroyed by Hopkins and Martinez and while JT isn't what he once was, neither is Kelly.

 

I've met him 3-4 different times, when he got back from the Olympics we danced back to back at a club in Little Rock, I spun around because this dude was bumping me, and it's JT. He just smiled held up his drinks and then we both danced up on these two girls he had with him. He's an A+ dude, and he's a warrior, he wants to be in the mix and he feels he's got something left to give...who am I to say, have it my guy. I'll be pulling for him I know that much.

 

I understand, my initial point and why this was even brought up, was as a fan and as someone who has followed his career fairly closely he went to 168 because he didn't train hard enough. As opposed to doing the work he was doing when he was with Pat, he decided he could still do SOME work, but if he went up to 168 he wouldn't have to work as hard, which in some ways was part of his unduing. I'm telling you this man can fight at 160 lbs., I saw him less than 2 months ago he walks around at 175-180. Now I'm not saying he should/will fight at 160, I was saying as a fan I would prefer that, because I think there are less huge punchers there. They have stated he will come back at 168, so it's really not a debate or anything, it was just my opinion in the initial post.

 

I agree, I'm not saying he's World Champ ready, I just think that he and Pavlik are at similar places and he could have won either fight they already had. Dude stated Pavlik could walk strait from rehab and beat him and I disagree with that, but he doesn't need a Pavlik fight though. For the record I think within 3 fights, assuming he is able to win, he would give Martinez hell, and would be a live underdog to beat him.

 

You from Little Rock? I'm from Little Rock too...first Arkansan I've seen here if so, confirm or deny?

 

Agreed, I think his style would be difficult for Martinez, I just don't see Sergio "outboxing" Jermain (even though i think Sergio is a better boxer), and while he got the shot on Williams, his power isn't all that and I don't see him KO'n JT either. Again, nothing but respect for Martinez, but if JT got to 160 and had 3 or so fights under his belt and was with Burns, I'd bet on Jermain and take the odds.