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04/07/2006 Archived Entry: "Middleweight champ Taylor on Judah-Mayweather"
Middleweight champ Taylor on Judah-Mayweather
LITTLE ROCK, April 6th – Undefeated and Undisputed World Middleweight Champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor knows something about big fights, as he’s coming off two epic wins over Bernard Hopkins and is now preparing for a third straight mega fight, this one against Winky Wright on Saturday, June 17th at the FedexForum in Memphis, Tennessee. So who better to ask about this week’s long-awaited HBO pay-per-view event Saturday, April 8th battle between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Zab Judah than the champ himself?
“I know where I’m gonna be on Saturday night,” laughed Taylor. “It’s one of those great nights for boxing where you get a bunch of your buddies, get loud and just be a fan for the night. I’m really looking forward to Mayweather-Judah.”
But who is the champ picking between these two welterweight superstars?
“I admire the skills of both guys,” said Taylor. “Floyd and Zab do some amazing things in the ring, but I’ve got to lean towards Floyd in this one. He just does everything right in the ring, he trains hard, and he’s always willing to go the extra mile to get the victory by whatever means necessary, whether it’s boxing from a distance or going to the basement and gutting it out. I just don’t see him losing anytime soon.”
Yet while Taylor doesn’t hesitate when picking Mayweather to emerge victorious from Saturday’s bout, he won’t completely write off Judah, as he explains the Brooklyn native’s keys to victory.
“Zab has to be 100% focused, like he was when he beat Cory Spinks in their rematch,” said Taylor. “No one was gonna beat Zab that night, and he came with everything – speed, power, and determination. He has to bring all those tools against Floyd, and he can’t be discouraged if things don’t start out well. If he’s willing to hang in there and make this a war, he’s got the power that can get Floyd’s respect and make the fight interesting.”
In the end though, when pressed for a final prediction, Taylor has to stick with “Pretty Boy” Floyd.
“Floyd by unanimous decision in a great fight,” said Taylor.
