Tuesday, January 12, 2010

:boxing: Boxing Bits ::01.12.10:: Super Six Edition - Taylor Exits Competition

Jermain Taylor, who last lost to Arthur Abraham by sudden and brutal KO in the final round last October, dropped out of the Super Six World Boxing Classic today. An upcoming fight between Allen Green and Sakio Bika will most likely determine his replacement, who would then fight Andre Ward, Taylor's then-upcoming opponent. Personally, I am very pleased to hear that he is taking time off to give his mind and body "some much needed rest." Its for the very best that he takes time away from something of the likes of boxing and reenergize (and reevaluate his life), especially after sustaining three recent KO losses, all of them serious.

This development perhaps confirms that he hasn't fully recovered from the Abraham KO (the worse of them) and was being honest with himself and his well-being, though I would also surmise that promoter Lou DiBella leaving him due to Taylor's previous intention to continue in the Super Six also had something to do with it. His experience with Leavander Johnson's unfortunate ring-related death led to his decision last month, so perhaps that event and other tell-tale signs from the sport, such as Muhammad Ali's deteriorated condition, gave Taylor some necessary pause, not just losing support from the man who promoted him. Regardless, he made the right choice and I wish him the best in the future, whether he returns (as he aims to) or not.

As for Bika-Green, give me Lucian Bute instead. No offense to either, who are pretty good, but the Canadian is arguably the second best super middleweight (and one of the best, period) in world. He would turn the entire tourney on its head.

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