Is Taylor Mentally Prepared for Hopkins?

[fightcardproductions]

Just read Thomas Gerbasi's article on Jermaine Taylor as he prepares for his fight with The Executioner. Some of Taylor's quotes, in addition to his remarks after the Edouard fight, make me believe that he's about to be schooled on July 16th.

Taylor was quoted as saying, “Of course he (Hopkins) has the experience, but come on, how much experience do I need?”. Not a very good attitude to have going into a bout with the Undisputed Middleweight Champion of the world - a man who hasn't lost in 12 years. This isn't William Joppy. He goes on to say, "And I’m just trying to find out, where do I stand in the middleweight division?”. This statement echoes what he said after the Edouard fight. Hopkins isn't a journeyman/gatekeeper whom you fight to get some kind of progress report as a fighter. He's The Executioner. Arguably, the most complete fighter there is today. He's like water behind the dam - he will find every hole there is and exploit them.

IMO, Taylor may be champ someday, but not this day.

[dansweeney]

taylor looked scared to death on fnf when they asked him to talk to b-hop, he is in awe of him, and you dont win a fight that way. he was shook, scared to look

[oldgringo]

Absolutely not. Nard is going to school Taylor.

Taylors face when Hop starts hitting him on the hips and legs:

[boxernyc]

I agree with the general consensus. There seems to be some trepidation (sp) on Taylor's part. He knows he needs to face him or be branded a dodger for the rest of his career but he's being forced to do it before he feels ready. But he is a professional, and when the champ asks you to a match you have to take it. I agree also that he looked super uncomfortable on FnF. He doesn't seem to have the right mentality. And damn does he need it to go up against Hopkins.

[dansweeney]

if hop wants to make a statement he could get him out of there early if taylor doesnt toughen up mentally

[Hurlex]

i love the article...yeah taylor is nto ready,maybe in 5 years he will be good but i dont see it now,hopkins will scare him at the weight-ina dn ko him on fight night.

[tri4ben2]

I see this is being a pretty slow defensive fight. Taylor is big and stong and has the strong jab.

What is also interesting is that they are both 6'1, but Taylor looks about 20 pounds heavier than Hop.

It looks like I am in the minority here, but I think that Hop needs a guy to come after him so Hop can pot shot and counter all night.

If this was 2-3 years ago, Hop KO 8-9, but in June or July, Taylor doesn't do anything ****** and wins the UD and everyone talks about how old and washed up Hop was when Taylor beats him.

[DLT]

I disagree with you guys and I think that Taylor can beat him and I am picking him. Bernard is slowing down. Sure Taylor couldve waited until he was more seasoned and Bernard was fading but like a true warrior he wanted the best Hopkins as possible so no one could take away from his win.

You cant go by what Taylor says. He is the must humble and respectful guy in the sport. If he was so scared then why did he try so hard to get this fight? He always talks that way. Every fight he has he says stuff like that. When he gets into the ring he will fight hard with no fear and he thinks he can really win the fight. I think he is faster, stronger, and younger then Bernard. All X has is the experince, which is huge but there is no way he will dominate this you talented kid with all these physical skills. He might win but he wont dominate.

X is slowing and Taylor is hungry. There will be a new face in boxing come July and then he will beat Tito

[abdiel2k3]

just like meldrick before him
hes being thrown in with the lion way to early
and he may end up like him too
taken a bad beating

[oldgringo]

I don't think Hop has the power to really **** Taylor's career up. I think Tito would be more suited to doing that kind of damage to Taylor. I still think Hopkins is crafty enough to grind out a decision and take Taylors heart out in the championship rounds. Taylor has a legitimate chance to press the action in the early rounds and make it harder on Hopkins later on in the fight, but who knows if he'll jump out early and take initiative. AND, if Taylor wins I won't say that Hop was old and washed up. If Taylor wins, that's a GREAT win against one of the best middleweights ever. I think Hopkins is far from washed up.