"Cory is a very good fighter, he's a world champion so that tells you a lot right there," says WBC/WBO middleweight champion Jermain Taylor, who faces IBF 154lb titlist Cory Spinks on Saturday at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. "He's very fast and a top-notch fighter and I know he will be well prepared to do battle," continued Taylor. "I'm approaching this fight with Cory just like any other challenge to my belts, very serious." Taylor should have a slight home field advantage as his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, is 137 miles from the venue. Spinks hails from St Louis, Missouri, 284 miles away. "That's why the fight is here in Memphis," said Taylor, "so Cory's people can show up and my people can be there. The environment will be great for both of us."

"Jermain has been fantastic," said Taylor's trainer Emanuel Steward. "Our chemistry is getting so much better and he really wants to beat this guy and look impressive. There are a lot of fights we could have taken, easier fights, but Cory is an excellent fighter. He's been on a big stage in his career and we don't expect an easy fight, but we are confident in Jermain's abilities."