Sam Soliman: Jermain Taylor's size will not be an issue
IBF middleweight champ Sam Soliman arrived in New York City from Melbourne, Monday, and discussed how he'll close up his camp here in the States before fighting Jermain Taylor Oct. 8 in Biloxi.
Soliman told FightNews that he'll have five sparring partners to help him put the finishing touches on his camp, in New York City, including Giovanni Lorenzo, who he fought and beat via decision in 2012. The Aussie last fought and won last May but the embattled Taylor has been a lot less active in recent years.
Taylor has yet to fight in 2014 and has only fought four times in all since 2011. Prior to that, Taylor had two years away from competition.
Soliman won't take anything for granted but said that he thinks that rust may be an issue for Taylor. "It could be," he said.
"I plan on setting a fast pace from round one so it will be interesting how he performs in the late rounds. I have never had a problem with stamina."
It would appear that one area Taylor will have an advantage in is his size. Despite being four inches shorter than the American, Soliman doesn't believe size will be an issue for him.
"No, his size will not be a problem for me," he insisted.
"I was Australian cruiserweight champion and boxed and defeated several boxers who were bigger than Taylor. My sparring partners Zac Dunn and Jake Carr are similar size to Taylor. Felix Sturm is a big middleweight and I won ten out of twelve rounds when I won the championship in Germany."
Do you think either or both Taylor's size or Soliman's activity will be big factors in the upcoming middleweight title fight? Let us know in the comments section.
Follow Elias on Twitter @EliasCepeda & @YahooSportsBox
