I think KT would have an excellent chance in this one too. Taylor will be right there in front of him. Taylor likes to fight and that will suit the big hitting Kostya just fine.
Phillips stood right in front of Kostya and came away unscathed. Taylor at his best was on a higher plain than Vince. Kostya's chin is gonna be right there off which Taylor would bounce his rapid combos. A cumulative effect will eventually wear Kostya down. Prime Chavez weathered the storm, just barely, and he was a lot more durable than Kostya. He'd beat Kostya, as well. As would Randall and probably McGirt, also. I'd even give prime 140 lb. Roger Maweather an excellent shot. Tzyz wasn't really very special.
Disagree. I know you don't like KT but he was very good fighter. He improved post Phillips and didn't lose again for another 8 years despite facing his best opposition in that time period. Chavez was never in any danger whatsoever of getting stopped by Taylor. Chavez weathered the storm "just barely"? I've never seen that mentioned ever. KT had an excellent set of whiskers. Meldrick wasn't a big puncher and heaps of guys went the distance with him. Mayweather would be way to fragile to beat KT. Taylor could well outwork him but he could well lose too. It's an open fight.
If I was putting my money on it I would go with a prime Taylor. He was the more athletically gifted fighter with a solid amauter pedigree. Tszyu was no joke either and had impeccable timing and thunderous power. Taylor by 12 ud although a Tszyu right hand could alter that real quick.
I'm with you John. I've criticized Kostya a bit on here but he was an excellent fighter at his best and this is a great clash of styles with both having differing tools to give one another grief. Mel's speed, combos and output vs Kostya's strength, timing and power. Both there to be hit by the other. Tszyu didn't have JCCs defensive nous or p4p general ability but he hit demonstrably harder with one punch and had comparable timing to boot as well as greater strength p4p. He'd take more punches than Chavez and probably land slightly less too, but he'd need less to hurt Taylor and get him going. It boils down for me to how Taylor handles Tszyu's power really and I can't make my mind up th h.
The problem i had with Taylor is he loved to trade and he had no power. People keep pointing out the Phillips loss- Phillips had a great ametuer career and huge power in that righthand. He was a darn good pro too who won a title and had some successful defenses. I see Taylor jumping all over KT for the first 4 rounds and then KT catching him and finishing him in the 9th.
