You are in > manchester.com  > News > Taylor retains middleweight titles

Boxing

Taylor retains middleweight titles

18/06/2006

Jermain Taylor has retained his middleweight titles after a draw with Ronald 'Winky' Wright in Memphis.

It was Taylor's second successful title defence as one judge called the fight 115-113 in Taylor's favour, 115-113 in Wright's favour and one saw it as a 114-114 draw.

The decision represented the fact that neither fighter managed to gain the upper hand in the bout but Wright was furious, claiming that he had done enough to take the win before storming out of the venue.

"I came to his hometown and showed everybody I'm the champ," Wright said.

"I don't want a rematch. If I have to come here and get that kind of decision, what's the point?"

The winner was reportedly being eyed up by Joe Calzaghe for a fight later this year, but neither man shone on the night.

Both attempted to use power to secure the win but neither got the necessary shots required to finish the job.

Wright did manage to inflict some damage, with Taylor's left eye closed due to swelling in the final round, but Wright failed to attack in the 12th and this may have ultimately cost him.

"If I was him I would have kept fighting as it was a close fight and it could have went either way," Taylor said.

"He was running around in the last round like he had the fight won."

Taylor's previous defence was against Bernard Hopkins in December, which he won on points.

© Adfero Ltd