Sharkie’s Machine: Carl Froch KO’s Jermain Taylor in the 12th

Sharkie’s Machine: Carl Froch KO’s Jermain Taylor in the 12th

By Frank Gonzalez Jr., exclusive to Doghouse Boxing (April 26, 2009) Photo © German Villasenor

Saturday night at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut , former Middleweight titlist, Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs) faced visiting Super Middleweight, WBC titlist, Carl “The Cobra” Froch (25-0, 25 KOs ).

The fight started with Taylor using his jab well, landing good clean shots often and generally outworking Froch, who appeared to be losing most of the rounds, as Taylor’s spirited performance saw

him constantly beating Froch to the punch, scoring a knock down in the third round and keeping things in his favor—until the 12th round, when Taylor’s stamina faded and Froch seized the moment, turned up the heat and battered Taylor into submission in the corner, landing several unanswered punches that saw Taylor sink to the canvas.

This devastating loss was like déjà vu for Taylor, who had lost in nearly the same manner against current Middleweight titlist, Kelly Pavlik, who ended Taylor ’s reign after seven rounds. Taylor faced Pavlik again a few months later only to lose again, that time by Unanimous Decision. After this third loss to a top fighter, albeit in a heavier weight class, Taylor’s career appears to be at a crossroad.

With this loss to Froch, it may seem that Taylor’s career is going south but the fact is, Taylor fought a very good fight and showed some nice improvements in his fighting style, where he used his jab frequently and showed a much improved defense. If not for his fading stamina in the championship rounds, he might’ve been wearing Froch’s belt. The only way Froch was going to win, after losing a majority of the rounds was to score the knockout. Kudos to Froch for having the will and skill to get the job done in the end.

This was Carl Froch’s first fight in the USA and he did himself proud, hanging in there in spite of being out worked by the smaller man most of the night. Froch maintained his poise and when it looked like all Taylor had to do was run to win the last round—and the fight, Froch struck like a Cobra when it mattered most and upped his record to 25 wins with 25 KO’s. That is impressive.

During the post fight interview, both men were gracious. Froch gave Taylor high praise and respect. When asked about a possible rematch, Froch said he would give Taylor a rematch because he “earned it and deserves it.” Though a rematch with Taylor seems a dangerous proposition for Froch, based on what we saw Saturday night, it would likely be another very entertaining fight. For Taylor , it would be yet another shot at redemption.

Congratulations to Carl Froch, who proved the old adage that “It ain’t over till it’s over!”

* *

On the under-card, WBO #12 ranked Super Middleweight, Allan Green (28-1, 20 KOs) made quick work of Carlos De Leon (21-3-2, 14 KOs), knocking him out in the second round after dropping De Leon four times in the second round.

Green landed some heavy punches in the first round but De Leon came on strong with a left hook followed by a body shot that didn’t quite steal the round but offered the promise of an exciting, competitive match. That notion disappeared in the second round after Green dropped De Leon four times in route to winning by TKO in 2.

Afterwards, Green said he wanted to fight the winner of Froch vs. Taylor . He also called out Lucian Bute who was ringside during the fight. Green packs a good wallop in his punches and showed good agility Saturday night against a prospect level fighter in De Leon . Is Green ready to fight the top dogs in his division?

Time will tell.

Comments, Questions, can be emailed to dshark87@hotmail.com.