Does anyone else think that Emmanuel Steward actually made Taylor worse or regressed his fighting style? I think so judging by tonight. His defense was alot better and movement. Stewards fighters arent exactly known for their defense. What do you all think?
While there's no doubt Taylor did a hell of a lot better tonight, IMO it was more from having recieved the first KO loss lit the fire back under his ass more so than Manny having to do with anything. Taylor had lost the "Eye of the Tiger". lol.
His defense was way better. Lots of head movement, which I love to see. He's also keeping his left hand up finally, and not backing into the ropes. I kinda doubt steward screwed up his style. I think Taylor's just been lacking confidence in his fights, but he looked much better tonight. Probably less pressure not being the champion and all.
i agree with what steward said. Taylor is an "instinctive" fighter. You can teach and preach all day long but once the fight starts all that **** goes out the window. compare that with a guy like wlad who gobbles up everything manny says and acts accordingly. he's a thinking man's fighter now. the split was good for both since taylor is probably more comfortable and receptive with his old trainer. imo, taylor relies more so on his athleticism rather than savvy
I think Steward regressed his style. From what I've seen, Jermain was better before and now after Steward.
Heard it was the sparring with Andy Lee that blew his already fragile confidence before the first fight he was quoted as saying "whatever i try this kid has an answer man and this guy is a novice pro" That has got to play on your ming going in against the biggest test of your career.
Taylor definitely looked better tonight than he did in the past few years I don't think he was ever comfortable with Steward.
Taylor did not listen to Steward's advice, as he was used to winning decisions he did not deserve, such as Hopkins, Winky, so he did not work as hard, but Taylor worked his arse off this time, still lost, almost went down from a body shot, ran out of gas, his face was swollen from taking so many punches.
I agree! Emmanuel Steward works better with fighters who are tall and who have a significant reach for their division. Hearns, Lewis, Klitchko, all fit that mold, Jermaine Taylor does not!
More to do with the fact that Taylor never seemed to want to listen to what Steward had to say. It was getting like Tyson-Giachetti in there.