Newz Forum: BOXING: Taylor is ready for the big time

Taylor is ready for the big time
Jermain Taylor wants to be part of the mix -- that group of fighters who dominate the middleweight and junior-middleweight divisions.

The 160- and 154-pound pecking order is controlled by Bernard Hopkins, Ronald ''Winky'' Wright, Oscar De La Hoya and the unretiring Felix Trinidad. Taylor believes he is within striking distance of joining the exclusive list.

''I get a little anxious that Im not mentioned along with them,'' he said. ``But I know I am paying my dues now.''

The 2000 Olympic bronze medalist and part-time Kendall resident will attempt to reduce the gap to prominence when he headlines his first HBO-televised show Saturday night in Taylors native Little Rock, Ark.