MEMPHIS, May 8th – While “The World Awaited” for another bout, Tennessee, Arkansas and Missouri fight fans are waiting for one too. Jermain Taylor and Cory Spinks are in the final stages of preparation for their WBC and WBO middleweight championship on Saturday, May 19 from FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The bout will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing at 10:15pm (ET) / 9:15pm (CT) / 7:15pm (PT).
Jermain Taylor, from Little Rock, Arkansas, is universally recognized as the World Middleweight Champion. He defends his belts against St. Louis native, and current champion in Cory Spinks, who is more than a fighter with a famous last name. “Cory is a very good fighter, he’s a World Champion so that tells you a lot right there,” said Taylor. “He’s very fast and a top-notch fighter and I know he will be well prepared to do battle. I’m approaching this fight with Cory just like any other challenge to my belts, very serious.”
Because Spinks is a southpaw, Taylor has made sure his sparring partners are left-handed fighters and men who are quick. Spink’s speed isn’t much of a concern for Taylor but he does understand you must prepare for it..
Taylor has taken on southpaws and fighters with complex styles like Winky Wright and Kassim Ouma in the past. “We’ve had a great training camp and the sparring partners have been good,” Taylor said. “These guys have always kept me in shape and make sure I’m ready for a big fight. The sparring sessions have been very serious and intense with this training camp.”
Helping Taylor take his game to another level is Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward. The veteran trainer said this is one of the best camps he’s been involved with.
“Jermain has been fantastic,” Steward said. “Our chemistry is getting so much better and he really wants to beat this guy and look impressive. There are a lot of fights we could have taken, easier fights, but Cory is an excellent fighter. He’s been on a big stage in his career and we don’t expect an easy fight, but we are confident in Jermain’s abilities.”
Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment and promoter for Jermain Taylor is expecting an exciting night of boxing on May 19th at FedExForum. “Memphis will be electric for the great show and the entire weekend will be a celebration. I’m excited that tickets are moving so well,” said DiBella.
With the fight close to both fighter’s hometowns it will be interesting to see where the crowds will come from. Taylor has a huge following from Little Rock and he knows his hometown will support him for a “road” game. “My fans are great and have been supportive of me my whole career,” Taylor said. “That’s why the fight is here in Memphis so Cory’s people can show up and my people can be there. The environment will be great for both of us.”
Tickets are priced at $550, $450, $250, $125, $95, $45 and $25 for (students, seniors, and active military). Tickets are available at the FedExForum Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, http://www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 901.525.1515. For more information, visit www.fedexforum.com