WHO SHOULD RETIRE - CLASS OF 2000
This is another installment in the series, "Fighters who should hang 'em up". It makes me feel old (at only 33) to be saying this, but there are already fighters whose entire career has taken place in the 21st century, who should fight no longer. Let us now take a look at these three 2000 Olympians. Bear in mind, I know these three men can still fight, however, I am not looking at retriing someone when they reach a pathetic level. I am looking to spare them this phase, and spot the chance to retire once the peak has been reached, and the downslide has begun. Also, I believe the goal is to get out when potential risks begin to seriously outweigh the rewards.
Jermain Taylor
It's not as if he doesn't have the skills to compete. He even has a lot more power than most give him credit for. Remember, he was one punch away from KO victories against Carl Froch and Kelly Pavlik. However, what Taylor is lacking is not something that can likely be fixed at this stage of his career... his heart. He has never had much killer isntinct. His last stoppage was nearly five years ago, against Daniel Edouard, and many thought it was a quick one. At the middleweight limit, this trait was merely annoying to the fans. However, as he has moved up to big punching168lb-ers, he is now risking his health. He has accomplished all he is going to accomplish with this style, and lack of confidence. He is now visiting hospitals at fight's conclusions. It's not likely that he will heed this advice, as his next fight is not with a big puncher, but he has lost four out of his last five, and three by knockout. That is a pretty good recipe for a retirement announcement. Let's hope he doens't end of up on basic cable, taking beatings from lesser fighters before he gets the message.
Jeff Lacy
He's probably been done since the Calzaghe beating, but a young fighter deserves a chance to come back. Sadly, he has won three less than dominant decisions, and the only dominating fights he has been involved in were his losses to Jones and Taylor. He's also taking a lot of shots, and his shoulder hasn't been the same since surgery. No debate here. He's done. Time to move on.
Miguel Cotto
Some may say this is unnecessary, but again, I am looking at the future here, and I don't see it getting any better for Miguel Cotto. There is money to be made, and fighters he can beat, but at this point, he would not be accomplishing anything. Fights with boxer-types like Cory Spinks or Yuri Foreman would be intriguing, and perhaps a chance to capture a 3rd division belt without taking too much damage, but that is all. Any attempt to face off with the other stars at welterweight or above is merely a chance to absorb more punishment, in a career that has already seen him take two life-altering beatings. Let's not forget he took his share of shots in wins over Mosley and Judah. A fighter with his style is supposed to give us thrills, but not last for 20 years.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com
Boxing 
