FightHype's staff predictions are in for this weekend's intriguing matchup as ex-Olympic teammates and former champions Jermain Taylor and Jeff Lacy square off in a 12-round crossroads clash that will determine the future of their careers. Who will win? Who will lose? Get the answers to these questions and more in FightHype's staff predictions.
Ben "The Hype" Thompson - Taylor by Unanimous Decision
Heads Taylor. Tails Lacy. * Flip * Heads! Taylor it is. Talk about a pick 'em fight. Since winning their first world titles, both of these guys have regressed in talent, but at least Taylor has shown a little glimmer of hope against the likes of Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wright, Kelly Pavlik, Cory Spinks and Kassim Ouma...all fighters that, at one point or another, were considered top champions. Lacy, on the other hand, has struggled against the likes of Epifanio Mendoza, Peter Manfredo Jr. and Vitali Tsypko. That's not a good sign. Regardless of the coin toss, I'll take Taylor by unanimous decision as he serves up a buffet of jabs for Lacy to dine on all night.
Percy "Talent" Crawford - Taylor TKO9
Jermain Taylor has looked a lot more solid in his his recent losses than Lacy has in his recent wins. Taylor has also fought the better competition as well. You can't really compare Mendoza, Manfredo Jr. and Tsypko to Pavlik, Hopkins and Wright. Straight punches will always find their mark before a wide punch does and unfortunately, that seems to be all Lacy has left. Taylor will stop his former Olympic teammate late with a barrage of punches after dropping him.
Sean Malone - Taylor by Unanimous Decision
This is the definition of a must win fight for both combatants. I'll go with Taylor by decision in an exciting affair. I think Taylor's superior boxing skills will be the difference here.
Simon Ruvalcaba - Taylor TKO8
It should be an entertaining fight that will be sad to see. This fight should've been a PPV unification bout as both fighters have failed to fufill extremely high career expectations. It will be a million dollar fight to watch, but I don't believe either guy is actually making 7 figures for the bout. It just seems to me at this point, Taylor may still want it whereas Lacy has given the impression he's ready to walk away. That attitude could be the difference in what should be a test of wills.
Joe DeMaria - Taylor by Decision
Being that history is the best indicator of the future, it is safe to say that at some point, probably around the third or fourth round, Jeff Lacy will turn into a head hunter. Taylor will be able to get a little comfortable while Lefthook begins to follow him around. This won't be a walkover for Bad Intentions though. He will have to remain calm and get some work done in there. If his stamina holds up, he will cruise to a decision win. If it doesn't, then we should have a very exciting fight down the stretch as an equally tired Jeff Lacy will be trying to chop the former middleweight champion down. Either way, give me Taylor by decision in a fight that is more competitive than many people seem to be expecting.
Charles Presnell - Taylor by Decision
Taylor should be able to outbox Lacy and keep him on the end of his jab. This fight is more or less about who's less shot. Lacy is done and Taylor should win a one-sided decision.
Steve Coleman - Taylor TKO6
Lacy is too stiff and slow. Although Taylor has suspect defensem he is a lot faster than Lacy, who has even worse defense. I don't even think the fight will be competitive. Lacy is just too slow.
Rob Abreu - Taylor TKO7
You cant teach athleticism, natural power and raw talent. Taylor has all of those and I think he has improved since losing to Pavlik twice.
Nick Sanchez - Taylor TKO6
My heart says Lacy, but my head says Taylor.
James Almonte - Taylor by Decision
Jack Plato - Taylor TKO8
I believe Taylor has much more left in the tank than Lacy at this stage of their careers. Jeff has never recovered from the Calzaghe beating.
John Bell - Taylor by Decision
Truly a crossroads fight for both guys because the loser will receive a one way ticket to City of Oblivion (Population - 1) by way of the Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Wouldn't be surprised to see either of these guys stopped, however, in the absence of a KO, Lacy seems to be the one who hits that stamina wall a little harder down the stretch.
Joey "Titlebelt" Karash - Taylor by Unanimous Decision
Josh Jordon - Taylor by Unanimous Decision
I think at this point, Jermain has more left in the tank than Lacy. I see Jermain outworking Jeff through most of the middle rounds and dropping him late, but Jeff will find a way to make it to the final bell.
John Tandy (Editor, www.ultimateboxingresults.com) - Taylor by Decision
The big question is how much does either guy still want it. Taylor has been very lazy in his preparations for his recent fights with Kelly Pavlik and Lacy has not looked like the same fighter since Joe Calzaghe demolished him. The winner of this fight will more than likely progress to a title shot; the loser will have to take a step back and think about where his career is going. In regards to who is going to win, I think Taylor is the better boxer, but if Lacy can somehow relight his fire, he'll be a real handful. It really depends on which Lacy and which Taylor turns up and who wants it more. I will stick with Taylor as I do believe he is better, but I can't say I am confident with the choice.