Caleb Truax Wants to Avenge Jermain Taylor Defeat

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    Caleb-Truax-Website-2Tha Boxing Voice’s Nestor Gibbs had the opportunity to speak with middleweight contender, Caleb Truax.
    Truax is a native of Osseo, Minnesota. He has a twin sister, Erin. Truax is unique in this sport. Truax is a graduate from the University of Minnesota, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, minoring in both African American studies and Political Science.

    In April 2012, Truax (24-1, 14 KO) lost a 10 round unanimous decision to former champion, Jermain Taylor. Despite dropping Taylor in round nine, Truax lost via scores of 98-91, 97-92, and 97-94. The boxing community is puzzled that a fighter like Taylor, who took two years off following a brain injury sustained in his bout against Arthur Abraham, is even getting a title shot against IBF middleweight champion, Sam Soliman. Truax was asked to give his assessment of the Taylor he fought in 2012 and what kind of Jermain Taylor we should expect for the Soliman fight. “I guess I cannot really speak on the brain bleeding thing,” added Truax. “I guess he was cleared.” When speaking on the title bout, Truax added, “I was kind of dumbfounded almost,” said Truax. “He has not been very active since we fought.”

    What if Jermain Taylor were to beat Sam Soliman to take the IBF belt? During Taylor’s fight with Truax in 2012, as mentioned earlier, Truax dropped Taylor in the ninth round. Many analysts believed Truax had won the fight. Could a rematch possibly come out of this scenario? “I would love a rematch,” commented Truax.” That was my first big fight. I kind of went into it a little bit starstruck almost. If I had a chance to rematch him now, I think I would stop him.” Truax is hoping that Taylor can beat Soliman so they may set up a potential rematch down the road.
    Soliman (44-11, 18 KO) is not known as a heavy puncher. If Sam Soliman were to have fought the Jermain Taylor that Caleb Truax fought in 2012, would Soliman still get the win? “I do not know. It is tough to say,” said Truax. “He has not been active so it is tough to judge.” Although he would be in favor of Taylor being the victor, Truax believes Soliman would win because he has been more active.

    Next, there is a common trend among Al Haymon’s stable that shows that his fighters only fight once or twice a year. Is Truax going to be comfortable with that amount of activity if he has to go down that route? “That is a very good question,” added Truax. “One of the concerns my manager and promoters had was not being active enough. I want to be as active as possible.”

    Al Haymon has a direct tie to the sport of boxing. A very successful businessman, Haymon is known specifically for his ability to land significant television coverage for his fighters? What did Haymon see in the young, agile Caleb Truax? Has Truax ever thought back to what he thought Haymon saw in him to bring him on board? “I have not really thought back,” admitted Truax. “He works with a lot of middleweights so it made sense for him to sign me.” Truax added that Haymon works with middleweights, for example, WBO middleweight champion Peter Quillin, Daniel Jacobs, Jermain Taylor, and Fernando Guerrero. Truax added, “It made a lot of sense for me because he can get me fights against those guys.”

    As mentioned earlier, Al Haymon is a phenomenal businessman. Fighters who are signed on with him receive significant television coverage and usually can get any fighter they want. In a perfect world, amongst all of the contenders possible, who would Truax want to fight? His answer might shock you, he did not budge from his earlier comments. “If Taylor wins the title against Soliman, I would love to fight him next for the IBF title,” replied Truax. “If not, I would have no problem stepping up and fighting Peter Quillin.” Peter Quillin, the current WBO middleweight champion, is not known for bringing too much outside of his title, but Truax does not care. He wants to be a world champion.