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by David P. Greisman - He is the champion, the man who twice defeated Bernard Hopkins to fulfill all expectations imposed upon him in his role as middleweight heir apparent. And yet he finds himself criticized by commentators and fans, derided by radio hosts in his hometown and described as an acclaimed boxer who hasn’t necessarily earned his lofty position.
His opponent is an undefeated upstart, a knockout artist whose powerful right hand has taken him, in two fights this year, from prospect to contender, from contender to number one challenger. And though Jermain Taylor might not admit it, he and Kelly Pavlik have much in common.
Slightly more than two years ago, Taylor was on the fast track to title contention, a marketable, athletic prospect many saw, almost by default, as the inevitable successor to the 160-pound throne as soon as Bernard Hopkins retired, if not beforehand.
Since then, Taylor has fallen out of favor. His two victories over Hopkins, a split decision in July 2005 and a unanimous decision in December, were seen as controversial, as was his June 2006 draw with Winky Wright. But Hopkins and Wright were wily, skilled veterans, bound someday for Canastota – surely Taylor’s less-than-impressive performances could be excused, his ability to hold his own praised. [details]
His opponent is an undefeated upstart, a knockout artist whose powerful right hand has taken him, in two fights this year, from prospect to contender, from contender to number one challenger. And though Jermain Taylor might not admit it, he and Kelly Pavlik have much in common.
Slightly more than two years ago, Taylor was on the fast track to title contention, a marketable, athletic prospect many saw, almost by default, as the inevitable successor to the 160-pound throne as soon as Bernard Hopkins retired, if not beforehand.
Since then, Taylor has fallen out of favor. His two victories over Hopkins, a split decision in July 2005 and a unanimous decision in December, were seen as controversial, as was his June 2006 draw with Winky Wright. But Hopkins and Wright were wily, skilled veterans, bound someday for Canastota – surely Taylor’s less-than-impressive performances could be excused, his ability to hold his own praised. [details]