No belts, Just Career on the Line between Taylor and Lacy

Eight years have gone by since 2000 when Olympians Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy began their rise to prominence in the professional ranks.

It only seems like yesterday when the hype surrounding the two expected hopes of an eventual showdown in a much significant bout.

Well, eight years have gone by and it’s not likely the most significant bout one could imagine. Who would’ve thought, eight years would wind down for the two to meet at the crossroads?

Be that as it may, if there is any significance, the bout, which is to take place this Saturday night at the Vanderbilt University Stadium in Nashville, TN, it’s that one career will resume at a high and lucrative level, and the losing end could stagnate further to a downward spiral.

Since Taylor and Lacy have both made their pro debuts, they’ve both had their share of success and failures. Taylor, who was thought to be the more technically polished and athletic of the two, eventually fought his way up to dethrone one of the best fighters ever in Bernard Hopkins. Despite the controversy in the aftermath of both title outings, Taylor, at the very least, proved to be a world class talent. Lacy won his super middleweight crown against a less formidable foe in Syd Vanderpool, but displayed devastating power in doing so.

While there were lingering doubts to both young champions, there were fights which followed that could’ve erased any doubts and question marks. Then it happened, Lacy’s drubbing loss to Joe Calzaghe and Taylor’s devastating knockout suffering by the hands of Kelly Pavlik.

Expectations came crashing, yet un-shattered. Now, the two go from friends to rivals in desperate need of each other to pick up the pieces.

Despite the irony, the scenario in which led to this affair, has the anticipation growing by the moment.

There will be no title at stake this Saturday night. But clearly, one’s career is on the line.

PREDICTION

I’ll say this right now, Taylor, in his two losses to Kelly Pavlik was more impressive than anything I’ve seen of him since his title lifting efforts in twenty four inconclusive rounds against an aging Bernard Hopkins. At 166lbs, he appeared much more comfortable and fluid in the Pavlik return bout and seems to fit right in the super middleweight division.

Lacy really has not looked the same since his one-sided loss to Calzghe, and it was quite noticeable in both of his comeback bouts where he looked more vulnerable than ever. If he has anything left in his arsenal, it’s probably his toughness and still serviceable power, which can make this fight interesting down the stretch.

Overall, I still favor Taylor’s quick athleticism and lateral movements to offset Lacy, who’s recently been shown to be slowing down lethargically. Taylor’s key to victory shall include the utilization of his jab to set up his right hand bombs, which could be enough to win this fight on points.

NOTES FROM AC AND NYC

15 Rounds’ own Marc Abrams and I had the pleasure of covering Joe Deguardia’s Star Boxing card on the eve of Calzaghe-Jones in Atlantic City, NJ. Marc provided the commentary for the web-cast of GoFightLive.tv while I sat at ringside to compile written coverage for 15rounds.com.

I’ll say this right now, this installment of often referred club, ballroom event, or however you want to call it, produced much more action than any of the fights from Madison Square Garden the night after.

Curtis Stevens looked downright frightening as he knocked out his opponent in just 48 seconds. And dare I say it, Terrance Cauthen vs. Shamone Alvarez turned out to be an excellent fight between two light punching southpaws. Then of course, was the main event, which showcased heavyweight prospect/contender Kevin Johnson against a limited but tough Matthew Greer. I’m now having second thoughts about Johnson, whom I’ve repeatedly criticized in the past, who on this night displayed dazzling speed and power with improvement to both his defense and offense. I would love to see Johnson take on Eddie Chambers next.

As for Saturday’s main event between Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones, the most heated conversation of the night focalized among media members who vigorously argued whether or not Calzaghe would’ve been competitive against Jones in the late 90s. My take was no. But regardless, Calzaghe is an outstanding fighter whose patience finally paid off in the end. I have to admit, I rose from the seat in jubilance when Jones knocked Calzaghe down in the opening round, but immediately sensed that the fight was over when Jones failed to capitalize.

But to this day, I will concede that Roy Jones in his prime is the greatest fighter I’ve ever seen.

For any questions or comments, email Joon at joonielee@gmail.com