Taylor to return to Arkansaas in March or April

By Jeff Young

06/12/2005

Taylor to return to Arkansaas in March or April

According to interviews conducted on a local Little Rock, Arkansas radio station (1037 The Buzz), Jermain Taylor is eyeing a return to the ring either sometime in March or early April. During a live interview on the station's afternoon show with Taylor's business manager A.B. Meadors, Meadors stated that Taylor, his team, and promoter (Lou Dibella) are looking at a possible second defense in Taylor's home of Little Rock. Meadors also stated that it would depend on when Taylor can be back in the gym to resume training and sparring due to some swelling around the champions eyes.  No possible opponent was stated, but Meadors did state that Taylor would face a top 10 or top 12 opponent.

Many fans are requesting Taylor face Winky Wright in his next defense, however it was stated on the air during the Drive Time Sports Show that Taylor will not face Wright in Little Rock, but is anticipating a showdown with Wright in the summer with a possible venue being in Las Vegas.

In a recorded interview after Taylor's second points victory over former middleweight king Bernard Hopkins, promoter Lou Dibella stated that a fight with Fernando Vargas, if he defeats Shane Mosley, is not out of the question if it is at the right weight.

In closing out the segment with A. B. Meadors, Meadors stated that the response from the fans in Arkansas has been tremendous and that Jermain has branched out from the Little Rock fan base and is now a commodity across the state of Arkansas.

Taylor, who upset Bernard Hopkins in July, retained his title with a unanimous decison over Hopkins on Saturday night. On 1037 The Buzz shows for the entire broadcast day, the topic of hot discussion was the rematch, and also fans statements of disgust regarding singer R. Kelley's rendition of the National Anthem that was performed before the fight.

Even on the nationally syndicated Jim Rome show, Taylor's second victory over Hopkins was a topic with HBO analyst Larry Merchant.

Taylor is expected to return to Little Rock by Wednesday to celebrate his victory of Bernard Hopkins. No events have been officially planned, but according to Meadors the entire state of Arkansas is looking forward to the return home of middleweight champion of the world.

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