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There is no dissension in Team Taylor according to trainer Emmanuel Steward, but there is a
"discussion" about whether Taylor should next face Wright or Ouma.
Steward told FNN that Taylor strongly leans towards the rematch with Wright.
Taylor has issued a directive to DiBellla that he does not want to defend the title against the perceived
"easier" opponent , the light-hitting Ouma, but that he wants to settle matters with veteran southpaw Wright with whom he battled to a draw in Memphis. Judge Chuck Giampa favored the 34-year-old Wright, 115-113 while judge Ray Hawkins called it by the same margin for the 28-year-old Arkansas. It became a
"push" because of Melvina Lathan's 114-114 tally.
In the wake of the disputed decision, with Wright loudly claiming robbery, DiBella swore that
"Bozo The Clown" would be Taylor's next opponent and that Taylor deserved an easier foe for his next title bout.
Taylor and Nelson heartily disagree. They do not label Ouma a circus performer but they want the tougher fight, the rematch.
Steward said that Taylor has consistently spoke about facing Wright a second time.
"I want to fight Winky. Lou wants me to fight Ouma but I don't want
that," Taylor said. "I want to let you know that right now. I don't want to fool around like this. I want to fight the best out
there."
Champ Taylor then turned to Nelson and asked his manager what he thought about the situation.
"I want whatever you want," Nelson said.
"I don't want to go backwards with easy
fights," Taylor said. "What I want is to come back and beat Winky
cleanly."
Further showing his great competitive streak, Taylor said that if Bernard Hopkins, now retired, were fighting at light heavyweight
"I would want to fight him. There isn't anybody exciting in the middleweight division but me and Winky so I mine as well fight him again.
"
Steward thinks his man will beat Wright cleanly in a rematch and wipe away any lingering controversy.
"Winky is a finished product. Winky won't fight any better. Jermain will fight a lot better. Jermain is still learning and advancing, improving his skills. Me, I really agree with Lou. Let's fight Ouma but Jermain is like all the great fighters, like Thomas Hearns was. The great ones want to fight the best opponents out
there."
How does the "Kronk Goldfather" see the disagreement being settled?
Steward laughed.
"When the fighter feels like that, you have to go along with him,
Steward said. "I respect Lou as the promoter also because Lou has really done a fabulous job in moving this kid to the top. Lou's opinion matters, it matters a lot. But, sometimes, great fighters make up their minds and you can't change how they
think."
Over to you, Lou.
DiBella could not immediately be reached for comment.
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