I haven`t seen the fight in awhile but I remember Taylor getting up at about 4 but he wasn`t standing solid on his feet he was leaning back against the ring post. He also didn`t respond to Steele questions. I do remember Taylor glancing over at Lou Duva who was apparently up on the ring apron for some reason.
I really don't see Taylor's career being that much different, win or not, or even if he didn't take on Chavez. This is taking Taylor's word after the Aaron Davis fight that he had hell making 140. He was probably exaggerating but given Taylor's stocky frame, it's believable that he had trouble making weight. He did make 140 in 1994, but he was most likely desperate for revenge and a big fight. What really changes if never fights Chavez and goes to 147? He beats Davis for the WBA belt in 1991, in which he looked good and was probably his 2nd best win, but the division is about to be loaded as ****. Felix Trinidad and Ike Quartey become champs within 3 years. Simon Brown would've been a tough matchup. Stablemate Pernell Whitaker comes to 147 in 1993. Cristano Espana would have always been a very tough matchup for Taylor. I don't see things being much different unless he stays at 140.
If Taylor was looking, at, and trying to listen to Lou Duva, instead of Steele then that is HIS fault. You answer the ref, or get stopped, how much time is left is of NO consequence whatsoever.
Possibly a fair point about protecting Taylor, but he was hurt really bad. Literally one more punch would have been one too many. Aside from the kidney damage and facial fracture, the fact that he was visibly concussed and disorientated during the post fight interview speaks volumes. Fight needed to be stopped, if not then then earlier.
Don't remember him having balance issues when he got up and I agree with him doing so at the count of 4. he did the glancing because Duva was yelling at him while steele was asking the question. Which again, is the reason he gave why he didn't respond to steele.
Taylor was ahead on the cards but look at the damage he took. I mean this guy had broken facial bones and internal bleeding. Definitely a tough man by any means and a true warrior. But the stoppage could have happened earlier. Look at his eyes. Wasn't nothing there. He should have jus stayed away and boxed Julio. Would have been much easier on him but even then it would have been close.
Taylor was ahead, he was outspeeding Chavez in many of the exchanges but also using up energy in doing so. Even in moments when Meldrick was really scoring Chavez was putting in return fire that wasn`t flashy but Tayor was paying a toll. With that said I don`t think Meldrick Taylor was as far ahead as the HBO team originally thought. Not even close really.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgenYK7VaxY It looks to me like he pulled himself up with the ropes and was either leaning back into the ring post or steadying himself with the ropes as Steele administered the count. As I remember back on the fight Taylor made one terrific stand in the 10th round. {one of the greatest rounds you`ll ever see} but his legs were jelly in the 11th. He fell flat on his face after missing a flurry. Had Steele asked Taylor to step forward and hold out his gloves I don`t believe Meldrick could have done it without falling wobbling or maybe falling down again. JMO
Taylors left glove never leaves the top rope during both the count, and the stoppage. So the guy clearly wasn't in a position to defend himself. So now the debate is only down to the time remaining. Not Richard Steele's problem.
Taylor was basically knocked out on his feet. His body was standing, but his mind was gone. In the immediate postfight interview he swore up and down to Merchant that Steele had stopped the fight without a count or asking him if he was ok. Kind of like, say, Bob Foster's manager seeing Bob lace up his boots after the fight with Frazier, and when he asked Bob what he was doing Foster replied "Getting ready for the fight!" Or Gene Fulmer recovering from being KO'd by Robinson, seeing Robinson celebrating, and asking his trainer why Robinson was doing jumping jacks between rounds. It sucks for Taylor, but I don't have any issue with the stoppage. Dude was done.
