SHANNAN TAYLOR: BACK ON TRACK!

By Tony Nobbs

17.09 - A rejuvenated Australian Super Middleweight Champion Shannan Taylor meets Argentine Marcelo Alejandro Rodriguez at Panthers Leagues Club in Sydney on Friday night September 19 with the vacant PABA and WBA Fedelatin Super Welterweight titles on line.

WBA no. 11 Taylor is viewing this fight as a last throw of the dice in his long campaign to win a world title. The 31 year old 'Bulli Blaster' has benefited from two training camps in the last few weeks, firstly in Perth, West Australia and then last weekend (Sept. 4 - 7) on the Gold Coast in Queensland. He has linked with a new trainer, Frankie John Gatt and scored a two round knockout of Singkat Pasiribu on August 22.

"Rodriguez, from what I've heard will come to fight. He has a good record, 25-7 with 17 knockouts. That is what we want- a good test" said the 33-3-2, 22 KO Taylor.

"A win in this fight should get me in the top three in the WBA. I know this is a big opportunity and I'm feeling better than I ever have. My whole outlook is different. My new trainer Frankie Gatt has me back to what I was when I was number one in the world and my friend Tony Caradonna has set me up in business and has done a great job helping Shannan Taylor back to where he is now.".

"We have just been up on the Gold Coast sparing last weekend. In four days I did twenty two rounds with Paul Briggs, the number one WBC Light Heavyweight. It'd be great if you mention this - You seen me, how sharp was I?"

Knowing Taylor for several years and being present for many sparing sessions it must be said that he was most impressive! The speed, timing, defence and enthusiasm appears to be back.

"Paul Briggs is fantastic to box. I really like the guy. He is a nice human being and I respect him out side of boxing. We always work good together and hopefully there will be plenty more of it. We are fighting on the same show at Penrith outdoor on October 31st".

"Last month I had ten days in Perth sparring (Australian 154 lb champion) Daniel Dawson and that is when everything clicked. It was an intense camp. Frankie is my trainer but he is also my friend and he is keen as myself to see me win the world title. It has taken me over two years to get back on track. I am focused on this fight. When I won the Super Middleweight title in April I knew I could beat Marc Bargero any way I wanted. I'd sparred him when I was eight kilo lighter and dominated. I wasn't as prepared as I am now. I don't need to mouth off, I'm walking the walk, not talking the talk".

Part of Taylor's motivation is the fact that he and partner Rebecca, who he lives with in Wollongong, south of Sydney, are expecting a baby girl on December 26. "The day my daughter is born will be the best day in my life. Her name will be Natahlia, Italian for Christmas as she is a Christmas baby. I can't wait".

In the past Taylor had a reputation as one of boxings wild boys but these days it is "eat sleep and train!"

"After training with Frankie, all I want to do is think boxing. I'm switched on. Before dinner on Saturday night I was waiting in a pub talking to a few friends I hadn't seen since I was last on the Gold Coast. I hated the environment. I don't drink. Coming up they always warned young fighters about booze, drugs and women. The booze never got me but the other two did. That's why I'm so happy with the way my life is now. I'm settled. Going away to camp with Rebecca and Frankie as well as (Australian 190 lb champ) Lawrence Tuasa and (lightweight) Mick Mlacic is great for me. Good people. It's the kind of preparation I need. I wish I felt this good when I fought Shane Mosley".

A final word from Frankie Gatt. After the sessions with Briggs, Gatt said " To realise how highly I think of Paul Briggs as a future world champion and to see a fighter that I train - who is about 20 pounds lighter - compete so well with him, you can imagine how pleased I am. Every day Shannan sparred better".