Taylor ready for do-or-die match with Pavlik

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The contest will be a rematch of their bout on September 29 in Atlantic City when Pavlik recovered from a second-round knockdown to knock out Taylor in the seventh round to take the WBO and WBC titles from the Arkansas native.

Shocked: Taylor (left) lost to Pavlik last year but intends to put things right in Atlantic City

Pavlik is contractually obligated to give the former champion a rematch, and his first fight since shocking Taylor will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at a catchweight of 166 pounds.

While 29-year-old Taylor cannot take his belts back with a win, a victory would go a long way in getting his career back on track.

"This fight right here is a make-or-break fight," said Taylor, who twice defeated Bernard Hopkins to become middleweight champion in 2005.

"I've got to go in here and do my thing or who knows what is ahead?"

Since losing to Ohio native Pavlik, Taylor dispensed with the services of Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward and promoted mentor Ozell Nelson from assistant to lead trainer.

Taylor had criticised Steward for not giving him enough sparring ahead of the Pavlik defeat. He also claims that he was not in top shape for the first meeting with Pavlik.

"I know exactly what I did wrong. I didn't train the way I was supposed to train," Taylor said.

"I should have had enough to finish him, and I didn't. In those later rounds, I went into survival mode. I was tired."

Taylor will have to be in top form if he is to avenge his loss to the 25-year-old Pavlik, who is two inches taller than Taylor at 6ft 3ins and has excellent power with both hands. He is also known for superb conditioning that allows him to set a relentless pace.

Leading up to his first fight with Taylor, Pavlik knocked out Jose Luis Zertuche and Edison Miranda in world title elimination bouts, earning him the right to become Taylor's mandatory challenger.

"I have made a career out of fighting and beating the best and this fight is no exception," Pavlik said.

"Just because I beat Jermain before doesn't take away from the fact that he is still the best contender out there.

"I dedicated my entire being to training to take away his title when we fought the first time and I will do no less to make sure I win this time because that's what it will take to beat him again."