LITTLE ROCK -- The manager of middleweight boxing champion Jermain Taylor is in negotiations for a fight later this year with Sergio Mora, who was the top competitor in a reality TV show that featured aspiring fighters.
Mora is 18-0, and Taylor handler Lou DiBella said Mora would be a more difficult opponent than was envisioned for Taylor. The boxer from Little Rock is coming off a June 17 draw against Winky Wright and, before that, had two fights with Bernard Hopkins.
"This would be a huge fight," DiBella said. "Because of The Contender, he`s (Mora) one of the most recognized middleweights in the world. I`ve walked into casinos and have seen him get mobbed (by fans)."
"He`s an excellent boxer. It`s a credible fight," DiBella said.
Taylor (25-0-1, 17 knockouts) said he would prefer a rematch with Wright.
"I`m going to fight whoever is out there," Taylor said. "I wish it was Winky, but he`s (Mora) a great fighter. I knew him in the amateurs. I won`t back away from anyone."
DiBella said a fight with Mora would likely be in Los Angeles or in Las Vegas, because Mora has a following on the West Coast. Taylor had wanted his next fight in the 160-pound division to be in Little Rook.
"It has to go to the West Coast," DiBella said. "It has to go to L.A. or Vegas."
