Jermain Taylor Conference Call Transcript

Norman Horton: Hello, this is Norman Horton, I'm going to welcome all members of the media for participating in the Jermain Taylor conference call today.  Jermain, the undisputed middleweight champion of the world is on the call, Lou DiBella CEO, DiBella Entertainment, Emmanuel Steward, hall of fame trainer and manager and we also have (Matt Mccullough) from Cirillo World.  Immediately following this conference call Andre (Burke) will hold a conference call that will be hosted by Matt (Mccullough).  At this time I'm going to have an opening statement from Lou DiBella.

Lou DiBella:  Thank you everybody for joining us and you know, we are looking forward on December 9th to another fight in Jermain Taylor's extraordinary run of this fight.  And I think it's very unheard of for a young champion to have a run of opposite and like two fights with Bernard Hopkins followed by Winky Wright and followed by very deserving title challenge on December 9th with Kassim Ouma.  Jermain has (indiscernible) to every challenge, we expect him to do the same thing on December 9th and real excited to Alltel Arena and Jermain's home town Little Rock, Arkansas and everyone who knows Jermain knows he is probably the best of best -- state of Arkansas out there and if you fly into Little Rock and went -- Little Rock you will see cutouts of Jermain Taylor all over the airport.  December 9th  will cap off a huge week or so in the state of Arkansas with the hottest claim, (STT) title game on December second, later that night by the way (indiscernible) but early that day the most -- Arkansas.  A week later the sports -- Arkansas again when Arkansas's most renowned individual athlete -- undisputed middleweight champion is on the line.  As always I'm proud to work with Taylor, I can do that when the best teams in all the boxing and I'm proud to work with the undisputed middleweight champion of the world Jermain Taylor and Jermain wants to say a few words.

Jermain Taylor: Hello to everybody, I'm looking forward to the fight, it's going to be a great fight -- on the card, (indiscernible) it will be a great fight, everybody -- just come out.

Lou DiBella: Man, do you want to say anything about how training has been going?

Emmanuel Steward: Well, I have enjoyed training with Jermain Taylor (indiscernible) spend time with him -- so much time -- never been even -- and he has a better say if he remains at a 160 with that -- for another year, that's sort of way he is looking now, that he could be considered one of the best middleweight ever with a tremendous amount natural talent that he has.  And I'm just excited about his next fight.

Lou DiBella: Thank you Emmanuel.  At this time I will open questions up.

Male Speaker: There is too much for the under card and if you noted, two local heavy weights from Arkansas are on the card (Dominic Win) and Terry Smith, Andre (Burke) will be in the co-featured (indiscernible) and we will talk to Andre after this call.  And (indiscernible) so we have a great under card and a great event.  And now we will open the questions.

Male Speaker: At this time I would like to remind everyone that if you would like to ask any question or make a comment, please "7" only once on your telephone keypad.  And we have our first question coming from Eddie Goldman from SecondsOut Radio.

Eddie Goldman: Hi Jermain, how are you doing today?

Jermain Taylor: Feeling good, how are you doing?

Eddie Goldman: Very good.  I got to ask you because you have had such high level fight with Hopkins and then Winky Wright, are you going to be able to get up to this fight against the guy coming up from the 154 pound weight class, you are a huge favorite and also fighting in your home town, is it possible to keep getting up a 110 percent for every fight in a row?

Jermain Taylor: Well, (indiscernible) I think everybody do, you know, because Kassim Ouma, he is a great fighter, I was in (indiscernible) winning there and he just knows, you question him this, you know, and I'm not looking down this man, you know, I'm taking it very serious because I know he comes to win, you know, but I want to do my thing.  And I'm going there and I'm trying to -- you know, every time I'm getting ready for a fight, so I know that every time I'm at the ring, I'm giving all again.

Eddie Goldman: What do you think his strategy is going to be because he is smaller, he has got a lot more experience, and you are obviously going to have the size advantage, you are big even in middleweight division, he is the guy that's some more -- in middleweight.

Jermain Taylor: Yeah, actually I have been -- this is all he know and once he feel my power, you know, I feel like he has -- anything left.

Eddie Goldman: Did you think the recent fight that he had with Sechew Powell in the New York in the summer.

Jermain Taylor: I didn't watch that fight.

Eddie Goldman: And anything you can comment on what we can expect for you based on what he did in that fight?

Jermain Taylor: Expect me not do as much backing up, you know, as Sechew did.  But certainly you will -- my size is a lot more, you know.

Eddie Goldman: Okay.  And down the road to me even you are the favorite in this thing, rematch with Winky Wright or what do you think we can expect in 2007?

Jermain Taylor: You know, I don't what's off the road but, you know, about -- the same movement, you know, where to go next.

Eddie Goldman: Okay.  Good luck on December 9th.

Jermain Taylor: Okay.  Thanks.

Eddie Goldman: Thanks.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from Chris Givens from the Arkansas Democrat.

Chris Givens: Hi Jermain, this question is actually for both (indiscernible) and Jermain -- question, you guys can answer it independently.  But you two guys are just really kind of to know each when Jermain first trained in Detroit.  I'm curious as what you guys have learned about each other since then and how this training camp was different from the Detroit training camp, (indiscernible) if you want to go ahead and take it first.

Male Speaker: For this site here, the one thing I have noted, Jermain is very comfortable boxing with a guy from the (indiscernible) position, I mean, in fact I think he feel a -- lot of faith (indiscernible) because he is boxing so effortless and the smooth and also I think his -- his feet and talent is coming out a little bit more now that he is a little more relaxed.  He is looking more like a seasoned professional fighter than he did for the fight with Winky, he just feel a little nervous to some degree and I can see exactly that.  He is comfortable now and I'm beginning to realize that he has a lot more talent than I had (indiscernible) because somewhere I used to seen his jab -- he has got a great jab -- jab, jab and then a right hit in and basically he fight with it by using -- whatever, but never fluidly couldn't -- together in combination, I have seen him doing a lot more now and so I see a lot more improved and seasoned fighter who seems to be very comfortable now being in the position of being middleweight champion of the world as compared to before.  So I have been very impressed with what I see.  And as boxing field is a field that -- but he put more combination together now.

Chris Givens: Jermain, how about in the -- how is this camp with Emmanuel been different than Detroit?

Jermain Taylor: You know, I just have been listening -- you know, and -- and it feels -- so much boxing and so -- I'm learning a lot, you know, and he is a person who -- he takes (indiscernible) and makes it better, you know, I know the type of fighters who make a lot of mistakes, but he looks at it and turns around and makes the best.  You know, I just respected and just listen to him because I know that I will never know more than he knows about boxing.  He knows so much and so you know, there is no way I have to know.  Well, I respect him as a coach and as a person.

Chris Givens: When you know -- first has a camp with -- I was wondering did you feel like old times, on your amateur days when it was always just you and (Rosell), did it -- did it kind of take you back a little bit?

Jermain Taylor: I did -- you know, he tried to give real meaning (indiscernible) you know, he would smile and then when he come in (indiscernible).

Chris Givens: Then it sounds liked it worked, it sounds like you are laughing about that, he probably can't do that anymore, can he?

Jermain Taylor: Oh yeah man, of course (indiscernible) if he can do some -- do it, you know, you are going to keep, you know, telling me this and telling me (indiscernible) Jermain, try, you know, this is my life, you know, so I will go and live -- by telling me everyday to go and work hard.  I'm going there and I work hard.  Every time I'm doing wrong (indiscernible) and I tell him this is it.

Chris Givens: You know, I know that you are focusing on Ouma, I'm just kind of follow to Eddie's question, but week Winky Wright has been doing a awful lot of talking about a rematch with you, do that -- is that something that would still even interest you whether it may or not, does it interest you or is you or, is this Joe Calzaghe number one on your side that you can get back to him?

Jermain Taylor: You know what, not a tall boy, you know, just a word about right but, all though Winky, I think, he you know, he -- he messed up with me, he had a (indiscernible) we all -- I look to fight with (indiscernible) I am world champion, I am trying to -- I am trying to be on the fight.  No -- no, they don't take me for --.

Chris Givens: Winky turned down five million dollars (indiscernible) and frankly Ouma deserves this opportunity.

Jermain Taylor: That's ridiculous.

Chris Givens: And Ouma is a -- Ouma is a top fighter.  No one -- no one at our end in the phone call right now is looking to test him.

Jermain Taylor: Oh no.

Male Speaker: And last question Jermain I appreciate the time.  You know, ever since this fight was announced, you have been saying how this is going to be exciting for you, it is your first time fighting as champion in your hometown.  Now that we are about a week or so away, can you tell me your thoughts are and becoming more exciting at this -- now that it is this close?

Jermain Taylor: No, I just think I have so much prove.  You know, I think, I have so much to prove, not only for me -- my fans, to people who are not still willing to be my fan and I just got -- I think I -- I think I still have a long way to go.  And me being the world champion come to home, fight in my hometown, it sounds to me the same.

Male Speaker: I have got to appreciate it.

Jermain Taylor: Okay, good.  Thank you.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from Chuck Johnson from the USA Today.

Chuck Johnson: How are you doing Jermain?

Jermain Taylor: Doing well, so how are you doing?

Chuck Johnson: All right.  You know, a lot of people say boxing is separate from a (indiscernible) top guy fighting against each other and you know, you and Winky had that draw, we really think that it's almost a month if you guys get back together, otherwise you know, boxing against -- boxing fans will be on feet.

Jermain Taylor: Exactly, you know, that's what I'm trying to, I'm a boxing fan, so I can't wait to see the fight, (indiscernible) we could do.  I am just like you -- I want to see you know, move on win the match.  You know this -- this you know, he told about or I want this, I want it first.  Lets fight again and may the best man win.

Chuck Johnson: So -- talking to the undisputed middleweight champion, okay, we are not supposed to be the people facing the fight.

Jermain Taylor: Right.

Chuck Johnson: The man turned down five million dollars.  I don't want to hear his name anymore.  If he wants to come to the table, you people know my number.  I want Jermain to worry about fighting.  I want Emmanuel to worry about making him the best fighter he can be.

Male Speaker: Yeah.

Chuck Johnson: If he wants to fight, the fight was always there, he turned down five million dollars.  We were taking all the --

Male Speaker: Dummy -- dummy.

Chuck Johnson: You know, so the (indiscernible) I am not mentioning the mans name again.  If they call and they want to make a deal on terms that are favorable for the middleweight champion, then it's something to talk about.  Otherwise whip past him.

Jermain Taylor: Well he (indiscernible) I mean, his statement was anything less than 50-50.

Chuck Johnson: Well then goodbye Winky.

Male Speaker: Okay, well -- well, put this in a paper.  If he -- he is -- if he is fine -- will be a number two, then you know, he will be a number two because no way we will go 50-50.  If you like me at number two then (indiscernible).

Jermain Taylor: And by the way, you know, when he (indiscernible) hometown, you know, and he is the man with public attention, then he could start demanding 50-50.  When he wins the middleweight title, you could start talking about 50-50.  I mean, you know, it's wonderful to say you want to fight and then you fight yourself out of it.  You know, we are not safe in the manner, if it -- this is the answer period.

Chuck Johnson: So in terms of Ouma, Jermain did you say you take him very seriously.

Jermain Taylor: Yes.

Chuck Johnson: But do you think this is the kind of fight that, you know, that the fans are going to embrace -- coming off, you know, the pre-title fight you have just had?

Jermain Taylor: I just like that a -- if they know anything about Kassim Ouma, they know that he comes to fight and especially if he was to (indiscernible) which is as you know, the -- to box.

Chuck Johnson: I think Ouma throws a 100 punches around, that you know, he has never been in a bad fight in his career.  So, it's sort of hard I would think if you are a fan (indiscernible) what you are going to say and you know, I will be the first one to say, I was the one out there saying take an easy fight, take an easy fight.  Well Kassim Ouma is not an easy fight.  So I got overruled.

Jermain Taylor: Thanks a lot.

Chuck Johnson: Okay, thank you.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from Dan Rafael from ESPN.

Dan Rafael: Hi guys, how are you today Jermain?

Jermain Taylor: I am good, how are you doing?

Dan Rafael: Good Jermain, Emmanuel said a few minutes ago on some of his remarks about that he thought you could stay at middleweight for another year or so and I have also read some comments in the past couple of months from yourself talking about that, you know, maybe one or two more fights at middleweight and then moving up.  Where do you think you are now and do you agree with Emmanuel's assessment that you can stick around for two more fights at middle weight or what's your time plan for --?

Jermain Taylor: I don't have -- I have no problem -- you know, it's about whatever you know where the big fight is.  I don't want to take -- you know, -- I am going to fight the best.  So whichever weight I have the best opponent, that's where I want to be in.  That's -- I only want to fight the best.

Dan Rafael: So you are cool like with what Emmanuel said, you can stick around for another fight?

Jermain Taylor: Exactly, I can stay of course as long as I want, I'm having no problem with the weight.

Dan Rafael: Let me ask you this, I know we are talking about Ouma and talked about a little about Winky Wright.  You know, I know there has been discussion about maybe if you win the fight against Ouma, fighting Sergio Mora and then fighting Calzaghe, the point being is that there is discussion about your future fight.  Is that a motivation for you because there is these big fights out there or is it in anyway distraction because you do have (indiscernible) take care of next week.

Jermain Taylor: Oh no, it's a motivation.  It's a motivation all the way because I know that, you know, that in boxing you have to win fight.  You know, you have to win because (indiscernible) getting around it.

Dan Rafael: Okay.  So you don't mind then when other people -- I know you don't want to talk about it, but you don't mind when other people talk or speculate about you might fight this guy, you might fight that guy or you might --?

Jermain Taylor: I don't mind -- I don't mind at all.  It will -- it will bother me not one bit.

Dan Rafael: Do you have any thoughts about either of those guys because they are talking about those fights.  I know you got to beat Kassim, but do you have a thought or two about Mora fight or about the Calzaghe fight?

Jermain Taylor: Which -- one fight, definitely don't want -- worry about that.  It don't make a difference which one it is, you know, I will be glad fighting the one.

Dan Rafael: Jermain, can you talk just a little bit about the fact that (indiscernible) you have mentioned and then Lou mentioned, a very aggressive fighter comes and throw a lot of punches, doesn't run away, I would think that that might be a little bit of a pleasure for you to fight in this match compared to what happened in your last few fights where you -- it was guys like Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wright that, you know, a little more defensive oriented, they like to move a little bit more than Ouma, are you going to feel better to when a guy that's going to be coming right to your chest?

Jermain Taylor: You know what, I think so.  I think -- I think that you would have a better chance to knock me down who comes to fight, you know.  (Indiscernible) he did like me, you know, he -- he is only worried about me because he want to fight.  You know, and let Ouma come and do, he come to fight, he throw a number of punches.

Dan Rafael: Okay.  Jermain thank you very much and looking forward to my first trip to Little Rock.

Jermain Taylor: Well thank you man, I can't wait to get there, you will love it.

Male Speaker: And we have our next question, comes from JD (Meredith).

Male Speaker: Hi Jermain, hi Emmanuel.

Male Speaker: Hello how are you doing?

Male Speaker: Doing well.  Got -- got a couple quick questions, a lot of my questions have been answered in the time of this call, but basically I wanted to briefly ask you about, you know, walking into as a champion in Alltel Arena for the first time, you know, it's got the be -- is it going to be, I mean, you walk in and this is a big fight.  You walked into Las Vegas and you know, how does it -- how will it feel to walk in there as a champion?

Jermain Taylor: Oh man, I mean, it will a dream come true first of all because I have always (indiscernible).

Male Speaker: Okay.

Jermain Taylor: You know, and now -- and now because it's a dream becoming true, you know, and all I got to do is go in there, look good and win.

Male Speaker: So is that good?

Jermain Taylor: And if someone -- in talking about Ouma coming forward in this fight against, you know, he is going to be in there in front of you.  I think that a great point is, if you fought your last three fights has been people that are (indiscernible) minded and you know, haven't really come forward to me, Wright came forward, you know, I think the big difference in this fight is going to be that -- whether it last 12 rounds or not.  You know it's going to be draw from the start -- exciting to see.

Male Speaker: Other question is, do you want to predict the score in (indiscernible) Arkansas?

Jermain Taylor: I just -- you got to win maybe, you got to believe it.

Male Speaker: Okay.  I appreciate it.  Emmanuel I wanted to ask you a quick question.  Do you have any thoughts you would like to share on the (indiscernible).

Emmanuel Steward: Certainly, you know, that's (indiscernible) one location to the other.  You know, it just cannot be all the same just, like moving to one arena to another arena.  But I would like to make a comment on the Jermain's fight talking with Ouma, Ouma is going to do all he can (indiscernible) little bit pressure.  At the last fight with Winky, it was an interesting fight because Winky fought more aggressive than I've ever thought him fight and he normally -- he's extremely defensive, but for that fight was with Jermain, he came out and attacked Jermain with more intensity and I have ever saw of him (indiscernible) anyone.  So he -- it really which was the -- exactly after the (indiscernible).  So he fought the type of a fight that was his best fight I thought at that particular night and based on him being so strong and (indiscernible) that's what led to fight because of him.  But Winky fought a very tough fight that night and I think Ouma is going to come in and it's -- Winky Wright was a 154-pound.  For the most thought -- middleweight and it wasn't that much, you know, discussion about the size because Winky was a big 154 pound and in fighting with Ouma we have probably just physically small, looking 154 pound in a long time, going to get physically one of the biggest looking middleweight and that's what -- Ouma that everybody says, well Winky, I mean, Jermain is just too big, but Winky was the junior middleweight for the most too.  But you know if a gap puts all this pressure on you and you can't hurt him and give respect.  It can become a nightmare and I have saw that happen before too.  So we are not taking him -- Jermain is in excellent condition because he could end up being a bone burner going down to six once that Ouma maybe can adjust to Jermain's (indiscernible) tough fight.  So Jermain is making sure he is in great shape if he has to be one of those, you know, long distance size as well as -- knockouts that are -- we expect a tough fight Ouma, I don't think it's going to be that easy.

Male Speaker: So being that Wright surprise you with his (indiscernible) into the fight a little bit more aggressive than what you were looking for.

Male Speaker: Very aggressive.  He came in and attacked and as he was talking about earlier, he had Jermain in the rope all the night along, pounded away and when he took his little slight break is when Jermain sort of opened it up trying to light him up himself and that's why the fight was so exciting going back and forth.  But he was very aggressive in his fight.  Not blocking punches, he was actually very offensive minded and so he had to take his little break.  But Ouma is not going to take any break, he just keeps going because he doesn't punched with any authority at all because if he pushes -- little, that will (indiscernible) and if he gets you out of your rhythm, it can become a nightmare.

Male Speaker: Jermain, we appreciate you.  Thank you.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from -- from the BBC.

Male Speaker: Hello Jermain, obviously they started the Atlantic -- interested in some of the stuff you said about Joe Calzaghe so far, what do you think is the realistic prospect of you taking him on at any stage in the near future?

Jermain Taylor: You know, I just said earlier, you know -- you know, in future, who know?

Male Speaker:  Joe Calzaghe announced a few days ago that he is fighting Peter Manfredo Jr in March and since you know God willing as he may perform that you'll expect him to in Little Rock we're going to fight in April.  So obviously that fight can happen.  But you know Jermain has indicated that Jermain is afraid of nobody, he's gone at every big fight and every big opportunity out there.  And you know Calzaghe is the man of his age, so down the road, you know, we are going to take a look at that when it's presented -- and himself available.  But right now Calzaghe is fighting Peter Manfredo Jr in March and you know, we are going to look -- willing to -- can Jermain defend his title in April.

Male Speaker: Would it be box-office do think that Jermain, if he would have to come up out in August, may be lighten at 2007?

Male Speaker: I have no idea of sir, but that's going to be great fight.

Male Speaker: What do you make of his, have you seen anything of him?

Male Speaker: Oh, yes -- like to fight and man he is a great fighter and I respect him.

Male Speaker: You know (indiscernible) fight him.

Male Speaker: Do you think that could happen, Lou?

Lou DiBella: No, it sounds like he takes care business if he keeps winning, you know, Jermain Taylor is the man and will remain a man at a 160 pounds and if Joe Calzaghe remains the man 158, then Jermain never got to anybody, so -- and you know, all so fighting Manfredo and who had exposure of the contender and doing another HBO fights only going to make -- bigger in the United States, as I said -– you know, he is a tremendous fighter in the ring, but he (indiscernible) boxing in the United States so that you know, if and when the fight happens everyone is involved makes as much money as possible.

Male Speaker: We do agree to Manfredo, is a good one to say, Jermain --.

Male Speaker: I think it is, I think it will be a great fight, like a -– I would just say it, is that -- are you going to -– you know, if you win it will be the most -- them up.  The very best of luck with –- with the fight is no waste of time.  Thank you so much.

Male Speaker: We have our next question, it comes from Tim Smith from the New York Daily News.

Tim Smith: Hi Jermain, Lou and Emmanuel.

Male Speaker: Hi, how are you doing -- how are you doing?

Tim Smith: Yeah, I am doing very good.  Jermain, who is the biggest draw in Little Rock, you or the racer bag?

Jermain Taylor: I'm a racer bag (indiscernible) a win.

Tim Smith: Only.  Uh-huh?

Jermain Taylor: Yeah.

Tim Smith: Maybe you guys get together and you guys -- you can do a fight and make them play a football game.

Jermain Taylor: That's --.

Tim Smith: But I wanted to ask you just about Ouma, his work rate is just so high, his punch -– you know, output per round is just so high.  Do you think that, you know, you could run into a situation where maybe he is not hurting you, but he is throwing so many punches that he can sway the judges his way or do you not see the –- you know, this is coming down to the number of punches that he has got -- throwing around.  And that's for you as well, Emanuel.

Male Speaker: Almost -- he odes a lot of punches.  But (indiscernible) knows throwing a lot of punches, up and -- a lot more power and a lot more action.

Male Speaker: And that's what the difference is, no way I would like to see Jermain get into a contest or trying to see who can throw the most punches, it doesn't matter to me.  And he doesn't have to do that.  It's -– Jermain's punches have to be precision punches and with full power.  And when a guy is coming in and putting pressure, if he gets hurt, he feels -- they come in a little bit slower and they throw a little less punching because there is a little caution factor.  But if the fighting -- not hurt him with any, you know, any power in their punches, they keep coming.  But that is the exhibit from punch and power in addition to boxing field.  And hopefully that was going down a little.

Male Speaker: Yeah.  The (indiscernible) fight, the one where he lost the 1540-pound title.  Have you guys looked at that as a blueprint or do you think that that was just a fight where Ouma was just off his game?

Male Speaker: I was at the fight, I saw it in person Tim and it was just a bad night for him, I know he had a cold blood into the fight.  And his focus was not even on the fight that night and comes on like a lot of guys who -- they just go their level before they fight (indiscernible) night and an addition to -- I think Ouma just have lots of problems physically and emotionally that night.  So it was just a good night for him to loose so to say, but I -- after that a fear factor is always when he fought with Sechew Powell and --– we are going to be fighting a different fighter than I think --.

Tim Smith: Okay.  And Jermain, you mentioned that -– you know, the things you like about working with Emanuel is that he –- that he works with what you have and you know, he makes that better.  And you also mentioned that you thought you still had a lot of faults.  So I am wondering, you know, from those -– the first Hopkins fight to this point, you know, what types of things have you had to work on or where do you think you have made the greatest improvement as a boxer?

Jermain Taylor: You know, I keep my hands up a lot more –- you know, it's just a, just being a lot more -- a lot more confident -- you know, so (indiscernible) you make a lot of mistakes.

Tim Smith: So –- you know, when he fought Bernard Hopkins, Jermain had never had a gradual transition to top-level fighter so to say.  Unfortunate for him and for Bernard to some degree that there just wasn't too many good middleweights out, but he was fighting basically a different class, maybe like B fighters, so that's already worse for the most part, not only even junior middleweights, and then all of a sudden his first fight with a class guy, it sort of gave him a gradual transition, what he ends up the man himself, Bernard Hopkins.  And so that's rough when you make that kind of a transition overnight and to go through trial rounds with Bernard Hopkins in the first time, there -- in a situation in which -- and hurt slightly a little bit in the nights round and still has three more rounds to go and just gutted it out and just through his determination and starting to fight back may burn off back off again, and so he was able to get back with the points that he build up.  So those two fights and then Winky Wright fight I think has matured him as a fighter.  Now he has made that transition now, and he seems to be very comfortable in the gym when he is doing things now because it's tough to go against two guys who -- I have never thought really either one of those guys ever dominated in their entire careers after watching Bernard and watching (indiscernible) 17 years old, the first time I saw him.  And I could see him going with those two guys back-to-back as Lou DiBella said earlier.  You can't get any tougher than this.  So anything after that including another Winky Wright fight takes place.  It would be a lot easier than what he has been through those last three fights.

Male Speaker: Yes, one last thing.  And this is for you Emanuel, have you ever seen a boxer go through a stretch of just, you know, a back to back to back fight?

Male Speaker: No, never.  Never have I ever in (indiscernible) you know, both of these guys are extremely crafty side -- great defense, great patience and then Bernard and Winky and to go through both of those guys back-to-back because I have always been a big Winky Wright fan and I would tell, anyone I see -- I had any side of this of –- you know, the middle weight -- that's the one side I would not fight on any condition.  And you know, to see him going after this two fight, you know, Bernard to go right in with Winky and that -- I wouldn't even -- anyone to fight with Winky Wright.  Winky will be (indiscernible) anyone in history and to see him go through that without having a gradual adjustment, it's -- and I think the rest of it's going to be better because he is improving and he is working on a lot of techniques.  But as far as just as a friend one of the strongest middleweights I have ever thought that would -– but it's tremendous speed and his coordination that he has not even developed completely.  So every thing is just picking up at Jermain Taylor, I think he works with the left hand and right hand, and he gets a better, till he becomes a tremendous fighter in the future.

Male Speaker: Okay.  Thanks a lot guys, I look forward to seeing you.

Male Speaker: Okay, good.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from Jason (Ableton) from the Fight Network.

Male Speaker: Hey, guys, thanks for taking the call.  But as far as the types of pressures that Winky showed up with may have surprised you with and the pressure that Ouma, won't surprise you with, what's the difference between the two technically?

Male Speaker: I think that Ouma's defense is a little lack, when Winky would cut off from his contest, he wouldn't have said that type -- and Jermain just put his determination punch through the glove, on the glove, so the body would just rip and (indiscernible) he didn't have much of a target, and he was still able to -– you know, fight good enough to keep his battle and also -- powerful through his own gloves even that I think that Ouma doesn't have that type of defense.  And that is I think is the difference in addition to not being physically fit as Winky was, but that's the difference.

Male Speaker: Obviously Ouma's boxing has surprise you guys, but for you Jermain what's the key here, in my mind it would probably be the jab -- just catching a guy coming in and that being probably your best punch and your bread and butter, is that what you see being to keep you that night?

Jermain Taylor: Of course my jab, it's just that --

Male Speaker: Yeah.

Jermain Taylor: -- just that everything in -- it's just my right hand.  You know that as long as I get my jab working you won't know where that will come from -– you know -- anything.

Male Speaker: Do you see -- Ouma really -- Taylor made for Jermain coming in, maybe a little more wide open and really walking into a -- walking into Jermain's power?

Jermain Taylor: A guy like Ouma you can say, maybe Taylor makes any better, but if he gets his rib on the gun and you -- trying to step where you want to take a little break, it can become a terrible, terrible dream because, you know, Winky does take a break up in the -- is the way he was -- fight.

Male Speaker: Uh-huh.

Jermain Taylor: Ouma doesn't and you may think that he is going to cut off and hit a strong punch, he doesn't worry about his stomach, he don't worry about -- properly because he push punching and for the most part.  And then become a nice (indiscernible) just grab him and say, hey, slow down for a minute, take a break and he says no, and after a while you can you could find yourself exhausted and you can't get back and give a blow and get a different between you.  He is the type of a guy, if you don't have him properly, he can be very good difficult.  But he has a little -- decent little defense -- when he realizes being what a pretty decent fighter, he don't try to get underneath punches and do a lot of things.  So he is not a simple and basic as he appear in general.

Male Speaker: Thanks you so much guys.

Male Speaker: Okay.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from John Whisler from the San Antonio Express.

John Whisler: Hi, Jermain, how are you?

Jermain Taylor: Good, how are you doing?

John Whisler: I understand in this fight, they are going to use open scoring system, is that correct?

Jermain Taylor: I have heard some of them I'm not sure.

Male Speaker: That is correct

Male Speaker: I wonder what you gentlemen thought about that starting with Jermain and then if Emmanuel you could respond and Lou you also.

Jermain Taylor: I think you do -- I think you get the crowd more in to you know -- if the crowd knows who is up -- who down I think it's pretty good.

Male Speaker: You don't think it will affect you though as a fighter much.

Jermain Taylor: It will not affect me at all you know, I am going to box with you know -- not at all.

Male Speaker: You know if -- would it help you if you know that you are may be behind going into the -- fighter --.

Jermain Taylor: Just you know, what -- it's like that -- we get motivated.  If you know you are down you know, -- then try to pick it up.

Male Speaker: Yeah.

Jermain Taylor: I think it will be motivation.

Emmanuel Steward: I don't know exactly how they use it and I was told it's something about after four rounds I mean they after -- eight rounds or -- I don't know if it's round by round or --.

Male Speaker: It's -- Four and eight --.

Emmanuel Steward: Four and eight but -- it has its good points and it's got its bad points.  It's -- in this -- the main state address for a guy to come on a little bit more -- create more energy get the crowd into it.  Then and I have experienced it in armature boxing, (indiscernible) years ago.  Then we tried it and they do it in the international boxing.  One of the bad sides of international boxing today is -- which (Scupper) utilizes greatly at the end of a round they may -- they let the guys know in the corners that you are up seven to two you got three more rounds to go since they do four rounds now.  And then actually -- just want -- don't do anything for next down three rounds.  Nobody has any contact at all; you are out there for everyone to fight.  So (Scupper) does that a lot and they win a lot of decisions running that way and that happens also in some fights.  They are in the game, they say if you are up and you got accidentally bust just tell them you want to stop the fight doing it also if you hit on the score card you can win even though you are starting to lose a fight.  So that's another bad part but I think we have to slow and try and stop it somewhere.  I think it's a good start because there are so many controversial bad decisions lately I mean going back to -- I of course say that to go back to stuff in this (indiscernible) and there is so many controversial decisions that -- I think that it's worth trying and let's just see where it ends up.

Male Speaker: Yeah what do you think Lou?

Lou DiBella: I think that I -- I am not with Manny on this one I think that you know we got to try so many things in sports and I think that you know, it's going to -- I think they could judge a thing very carefully when they put down the number on these grounds knowing that fight -- doing that fight those numbers will be made public.  So I -- think it's worth a try.

Male Speaker: Yeah, one other thing for Emmanuel, you know you talked to everyone -- being able to see with Jermain his talent -- you know what ability he has but -- he just wasn’t able to put it all together and inexperience what have you -- have you had to guard against trying to feed in too much?

Emmanuel Steward: Yes.

Male Speaker: Too fast.

Emmanuel Steward: Yes -- absolutely in fact your first fight as it is (indiscernible) I was loaded to get into with him but I was just really amazed with his (indiscernible) and I took at the guys right at the gym when they watch it and box and times that he would have been a problem for any of us.  Once he learns everything it's unbelievable experience that even Tommy didn’t have any fear that it's tremendous you know, (indiscernible). But he hasn’t learnt everything and I don't want to teach him everything right away.  That's why I just put the fight with Winky, I figured this -- that fight to have him in best condition he could be in and to have him, what he wasn’t told off like he did in the two fights with Bernard in the latter round and to be able to feel punches in combinations and not just finger punches like he was doing and that's all we could do get him in great shape.  But this fight here is -- now I want him to start to show him a few more tricks but he -- can't do everything overnight, it takes time you know to undo all the mistakes that someone has to.  I am very conscious about that fact but I get excited when I realize that it's almost unlimited what I could do with him because he got this long arm, physically, extremely big man and very physically strong and tremendous coordination.  There is a few problems with balance, body position and a few things but once he gets his foundation back completely he has so many things that he can do to that anything that I as a trainer would dream of doing, I can teach it to him.  With some guys I was very limited because of physical problems that they may have had but -- I don't teach him too much yet.  This may be going to work on his basics and general condition and then get top, as we are going to do fine and that -- that's where we are going to start using that.  But in the future you will see a lot of improvement but I won't do too much right away.

Male Speaker: When did Tommy comment on Jermain or has he from time to time or was there a specific --?

Male Speaker: Yeah that was -- when one day we were up at (indiscernible) Jermain -- was having a very excluded -- one of those typical crowds, we had actually a big crowd around, I mean it was really, really hard to hear and he almost packed down there to watch him box and --

Male Speaker: It's really, it's crummy, it's reflexes, yeah it's -- he slipped in his lapse, his tremendous eye ability to sequence, his ability to slip and move and make punches (indiscernible) and be in a position to stand up on.  And that's some of gift you just can't teach it, some guys have it and some guys don't.

Male Speaker: Right, Tommy and -- Tommy and Ronald were in the cross during the camp a lot of the camps were before the Winky so likewise, so they got to see Jermain quite often and in fact he actually about two weeks ago when I met with Tommy and Ronald and -- you know Ronald was being (indiscernible) Tommy said to me that in terms of an athletic ability that he has never seen a fighter before with more athletic ability than Jermain.

Male Speaker: I have always told you -- I would love to see him play football -- he would be a tremendous football player because of his tremendous strength physically and mentally and his coordination.  But he -- is different than any fighter I have seen comes when it comes down to his support to -- most fighters have support of a city.  Tommy Evens had a great city support and years back (indiscernible) but I have never saw him pass eight and you noticed -- you saw Jermain they don't like to Little Rock, you say Arkansas.

Male Speaker: Yeah.

Male Speaker: I have been down and as soon as he get off the plane -- I mean everybody is talking about Jermain -- I mean the Governor, the Governor's wife they praise about him all, who actually passes eight I mean he is tied into all of the state and out of city and they are crazy about him then and it's going to be very emotional to see him coming as the -- as a world champion, this little guy.  In the first noted -- fighter -- the fighter get in the record -- I have ever heard of from a place like Alabama, Arkansas.  And that he is (indiscernible) he did a lot of thing to create a lot of recognition for the State of Arkansas.

Male Speaker: But Tommy saw that he would have you know given anybody trouble in his days and even him.

Male Speaker: Yeah but I believe -- I had both of them.  The way that Jermain is developing right now, he would have been a problem for anybody.  Physically he is so strong and that's something that -- won't go into have called him (indiscernible) 02 he is physically a very big man --

Male Speaker: Yeah.

Male Speaker: -- and he has tremendous match record that make him go in there too.

Male Speaker: Yeah all right thank you.  Our next question comes from Ron Breeding from KUAR radio.

Ron Breeding: Oh yeah thanks gentlemen, appreciate you doing this.  And question for Lou DiBella, Lou can you tell us, talk a little bit about ticket sales -- where do we stand -- ten days or so before the finals?

Lou DiBella: You know -- there has been a lot of attention obviously for the (indiscernible) but we are still doing pretty well at the gate and I anticipate that -- the majority of the ticket sales are going to come over the next ten days.  But you know we are -- going to have at least -- I am going to say we are going to have 15,000 people in the open.

Ron Breeding: You are sold out of the lower price tickets already?

Lou DiBella: No there are still tickets available at every price range.  I would urge people who want those affordable tickets -- the -- there are lot of tickets at 75, 50 and there are number of tickets at $25 for students, military and senior citizens.  Those tickets in the next ten days are going to be the first to go.  So I would urge people who need those affordable seats go and purchase them as quickly as possible.  One other quick note on one of our sponsors in this event is subhub.com and there are ticket packages on Subhub that involves getting you know autographs and getting some (indiscernible) during fight week and some of the front seats -- the good portion of the front seats from those sales you can go to the family there.  So I would (indiscernible) anybody to go Subhub and get it.

Ron Breeding: All right and question for Jermain.  Talk a little bit if you can about how your success has influenced the sport of boxing in Arkansas, which has not traditionally been a very popular sporting right?

Jermain Taylor: Actually you know, boxing -- it's picking up in Arkansas.  I mean if you are going in -- you box in gym you know, in Arkansas you know, it's a gym (indiscernible) you know and when I walk in there now I see those few face images you know they -- how they smile -- how they are looking at you like -- you know I (indiscernible) now I just feel guilty about it.

Ron Breeding: I mean do you take some responsibility, you feel that your success has been at least partly responsible for that?

Jermain Taylor: Oh I do.  I do -- also I guess you know all my hard work it stand up and -- that will stand up on (indiscernible) given some positive.

Ron Breeding: Fine, thanks gentleman.

Jermain Taylor: Okay.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from (Noah Treacher) from the Associated Press.

Noah: Hey Jermain how are you doing?

Male Speaker: We have our next question comes from Chuck Johnson from the USA Today.

Chuck Johnson: You know you guys answer my question I want to ask you know, Jermain about the --.

Male Speaker: Our next question comes from Dan Rafael from ESPN.

Dan Rafael: Hi guys this is one of follow up question for you may be Emmanuel you could start I guess you got spend about four weeks together in the training camp instead of Jermain full complement of eight weeks I guess -- could you explain how you think that would be good going to the fight -- second time together instead doing the full camp together.

Emmanuel Steward: Well believe or not normally even with Wladimir -- we usually do thirty days believe it or not because I have a different type of assistant that I use in training and Wladimir in fact -- his last fight he -- we started of he usually on 242 and he was in height of (indiscernible) he came in already in condition and that's what it make the big different I have intense program in terms of boxing and other things that we worked on and in Jermain's case he took advantage of the three weeks before that I got to suggest -- to get in shape by training and -- running to get his body you know, in condition so that's pretty much on the same schedule but you know, only one thing we are fighting too fast back to back only is one is just close to be more aggressive than the other but weaken one aggressive too this is where he went close -- but if they were fighting too fast (indiscernible) we just take back up on lot of the thing technically we working on but everything is Jermain said earlier was around Jermain Taylor (indiscernible) I can get a lone with Winky he had problems and I was gotten impact that's what effected -- him in the beginning of the beautiful left hand that he use to have for these -- I tell him you trying to get away from that and even in the fight with Bernard, get work it everything that flows in that I am looking possible to block his -- so we going back to working on the left hand a lot more for this fight and then we catch up everything for the big --.

Dan Rafael: Emmanuel are you suggesting that -- that was first few weeks that you was with -- and making sure his weight was good and he was in great physical condition than when you came in the last month more of intend sparing in boxing camp.

Emmanuel Steward: It's the same with Wladimir we would not --

Dan Rafael: Okay.

Emmanuel Steward: -- in the last but yeah that's what it takes that I was talking with him -- everything and I know exactly what they were doing (indiscernible) and they consult you know, other conditions.

Dan Rafael: Jermain did you ever consider at some point going that you with Emmanuel in the camp with sort of overlap a little bit in terms of training.

Jermain Taylor: Oh, no you know, this about the game plan you know, all along you know, we got fine.

Dan Rafael: Okay thanks a lot guys.

Jermain Taylor: Okay.

Male Speaker: We are going to take a couple of more questions and we are going to end this conference call, Jermain has need afternoon training so two more questions and that will be it.

Male Speaker: And our next question comes from Valerie McConnell from the world fight.

Valerie McConnell: Hello.

Male Speaker: Hello how are you doing?.

Valerie McConnell: Thank you, you have been referred as the future of the middle weight event and I had opportunity to speak with you that was year ago the press conference with Bernard Hopkins and you give me straightforward about you know, you have been the kind of person that do what you think you got to do, this is undisputed middle weight champion of the world which you have title how do you feel about that now, you get confident and you still have that -- you know the attitude.

Jermain Taylor: You know I am still the same person.  I feel hungry you know, I feel that I get -- that I have lot improved my self, that every time I step in the ring I feel I have learn you know.

Valerie McConnell: Exactly now you telling that opponent -- as over and over again between Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright which on you think was as opponent and why who you --.

Jermain Taylor: Who is the hardest opponent?

Valerie McConnell: Yes.

Jermain Taylor: Hard is the best (indiscernible) that's two different questions hard and --.

Valerie McConnell: Who was best opponent?

Jermain Taylor: Who is the best opponent?  I have to say Hopkins, Hopkins he held the title Ouma how long you know, for although it's -- you know, we gave a first chance who you know a younger --.

Valerie McConnell: Exactly so I think thank you so much and happy holidays.

Jermain Taylor: Happy holidays thank you.

Male Speaker: Last question.

Male Speaker: And we have our last question comes from Jim (indiscernible)?

Jim: Hi Jermain how are you?

Jermain Taylor: I am good how are you?

Jim: Good I just had a couple of questions on the title first your win against Bernard Hopkins becoming the undefeated champion you have been I believe -- the two titles the IBS, the WBA belt we are not fighting their mandatory how do you feel about you have to give up those belt.

Male Speaker: He was never (indiscernible) for the WBA.

Jim: Oh, he was never -- okay.

Male Speaker: I mean there was some funky stuff with their web site he is (indiscernible) champion and he was also the champion but he never --.

Jim: Oh, okay.

Male Speaker: Jermain right now he is the WBA super champion --.

Jim: I guess then in regard just the IBS you have any feelings about being -- fighting a mandatory?

Jermain Taylor: You know what I am (indiscernible) because I am number one, you know, after I won the belt I mean you know, so I got all the belts and all.  But I am number one so no matter who got a belt or whatever I am number one no matter what -- to be number one have to come through me.

Male Speaker: That's a great note to end this call isn't it?

Jermain Taylor: I believe --.

Jim: Now this -- did this title meaning, try and get them back like trying to go back and get the IBS title or you know, I just based on your statement it's more of how you feel about your self as a champion.

Jermain Taylor: I think it would be -- I think it you know, if there -- you got the belt you know, they are mine anyway so I will get them.  You know, if you didn't fight --.

Jim: Okay.  Thank you very much.

Jermain Taylor: Okay.

Male Speaker: This is going to complete Jermain Taylor conference call I want to thank all members of the media for their participation Lou, Emmanuel and Jermain and I want to remind everyone that Jermain will be live today on (indiscernible) on ESPN and ESPN news with it.  At this time I am going to turn the call over to Matt Connelly for Andre Berto and happy holidays to everyone.

Male Speaker: Thank you Norman.

Male Speaker: Thanks.

Male Speaker: Hello.

Male Speaker: Are you still on Matt.

Male Speaker: This is me Lou.

Male Speaker: Yes.

Male Speaker: We work --

Male Speaker: You like to call in to another number --

Male Speaker: No -- no we good Lou, Tom.

Tom: Yes I am here.

Male Speaker: Tom is here okay did they get Andre.

Male Speaker: Yes.

Male Speaker: No Andre is not on the call yet.

Male Speaker: Andre, he called in Lou and I tell him to stay on the phone.  Hang up.

Male Speaker: You want to get him back on the phone.

Male Speaker: We have been join for the last ten minutes, Matt, is Matt there?

Male Speaker: Matt's line is here.

Male Speaker: I am sorry.  I had it on mute I am sorry guys.

Male Speaker: Did you get him Matt?

Male Speaker: I try to e-mail I just try to called over I am try to get a hold.

Male Speaker: I tell him to stay on the phone.

Male Speaker: Can we try to get Berto please?

Male Speaker: Norman.

Male Speaker: Yeah.

Male Speaker: Are we in close?

Male Speaker: Yes.

Male Speaker: I don't know.

Male Speaker: You know we are on the live line right now.

Male Speaker: Now we are trying to grab Berto right now, give me just one moment.

Male Speaker: Hey Tom.

Male Speaker: Yeah.

Male Speaker: Can you close us?

Male Speaker: Hold on, I'm going to move you into a separate call.  One moment please.  Everyone will please hold the line we will continue the conference momentarily.  Thank you.  I want to thank everyone for joining us.  Lou DiBella will introduce undefeated rising -- star and 2004 Olympian, Andre Berto.  Lou.

Lou DiBella: Thank you.  And I'm really proud to be able to announce that Andre Berto is making his HBO debut on World Championship Boxing opening his door for Jermain Taylor on December night in Little Rock and Andre will be fighting Miguel Figueroa who is a tough guy from Philadelphia (indiscernible).  He is also the co-promoters of Kassim Ouma.  But I feel strongly that the public is going to -- on Saturday night because I believe in the same way that Jermain Taylor was the class of the 2000 Olympic -- that Andre Berto was the class of the 2004 Olympic and I think that the next year December 9th and year 2007 are going to show the transition of Andre Berto from great prospects to contender and eventually champion at the -- division.  I promote Berto with (indiscernible) he was what I call my number one (indiscernible) 2004 game because not does he have tremendous boxing ability, he has spend most of life with Jeff Lacey and Winky Wright, not -- but he also has explosive talent and the combination of power and boxing ability that's really something you don't see so often in our game.  So I'm really proud to be promoting Berto and I'm -- I think that the (indiscernible) on December 9th when the -- against Miguel Figueroa.  So I would like to introduce you to the pride of the champion --- and just like you said a couple of other guys also, but the true pride -- Andre Berto.

Male Speaker: I don't -- I don't -- anything like that or --.

Lou DiBella: Okay.  A couple of words first.

Male Speaker: I mean, everything has been -- from then a lot of hard work, a lot of time I have been extremely focused and I'm just excited to be able to have opportunity like this by HBO early in my career.  And there is going to be a real big -- December 9th in (indiscernible) you know, a lot of good press, I have been -- you know, I have been you know, given the media and given the fans what they have been wanting to see for a while and I believe I'm more (indiscernible) I definitely look forward to put on a great show, I'm fighting a tough, very tough opponent and another side of all of that and I think I will be able to put on a great fight, I know he is going to come to fight obviously, you know, I want to be there for him and you know -- very exciting show for the fans at Little Rock and as well as lot of viewers of HBO.

Male Speaker: We will open it up for questions.

Male Speaker: At this time I would like to remind everyone that if you would like to ask a question please press "7" only once on your telephone keypad.  And we have our first question come from Eddie Goldman from Secondsout Radio.

Eddie Goldman: Hey Andre, how are you doing today?

Andre Berto: Hey how are you doing Eddie?

Eddie Goldman: Good.  Thank you again.  Tell us about this fight, looking at the records it looks like that Figueroa is the most experienced and has been in with some of the toughest competition as any of the guys that you have fought so far, could you tell us about how you see this fight?

Andre Berto: You know, just like I'm saying, you know, he is a little more experience -- a very exciting fight, you know, fight (indiscernible) see if I can, you know, be able to deal with it, you know, under the big light in a big show.  So you know, I'm definitely excited, you know, I have got a lot of experience because I believe my background is going to help me a tremendous bit and I -- I'm looking forward for a good fight and I'm going to put all limit on the line and you know, just going to the show.

Eddie Goldman: Is this fight going to be walk away or (indiscernible)?

Andre Berto: I believe this fight is going to be walk away -- just a walk away.

Eddie Goldman: Okay.  That means he has fought some regional titles and I'm sure you have looked at his record, he fought a number of top people all through his career and he just -- had a draw with Larry Mosley.  How do you prepare for somebody that appears to not only a tough fighter with a good record, but somebody that appears to be in a class higher than the people you say as professional?

Andre Berto: Well, you know, just like Lou said, you know, because I was -- and I have been training as a professional and I'm training with a lot of top professionals in the game, you know, Winky Wright, Jeff Lacey, (indiscernible) you know, guys so you know, I'm accustomed to it, you know, and when I go into Gym I train to -- 12 or 13 rounds -- you know, I'm looking forward to having been able to, you know, reach those rounds, you know, as a professional, yeah -- training for, so you know, I'm just excited for it.

Eddie Goldman: Uh-huh.  Okay.  Good luck for the fight, I hope that this is going to be televised, am I correct?

Male Speaker: Yes sir.

Male Speaker: Live on HBO.

Eddie Goldman: Great, okay.  We are looking forward to seeing you.  Good luck.

Male Speaker: Thank you.  I appreciate it.

Eddie Goldman: Thanks.

Male Speaker: Once again I would like to remind everyone that if you would like to ask a question or make a comment or make a comment please press "7" only once on your telephone keypad.  And I'm showing you, there are no more questions at this time.

Male Speaker: Any other questions anyone have will be answered in the ring on December 9th when Andre Berto faces Miguel Figueroa, you are going to get to see two of the best young fighters in the country is right now and I believe that's Andre Berto and Miguel Figueroa.  So you are going to get a real treat with the undisputed middleweight champion standing (indiscernible) hometown and a young man who likes -- will be around many, many, many years at the top of the box again opening (indiscernible).  So I thank you all for joining us on the phone call and -- is going to be a great night and a great show -- on December 9th on HBO.  Thank you everybody.

Male Speaker: Thank you.