Jermaine Taylor, former undisputed middleweight champion, has surprised critics by pulling out of the Super Six tournament. But is it such a shock?

Last April (2009), Taylor was stopped by Carl Froch in the last round, during the last round Taylor looked exhausted. Later in the year Taylor got back in the ring for a comebak against Arthur Abraham but was knocked out, again in the last round. This was a disturbing knockout for fans and Taylor’s friends and family as Jermaine lay on the canvas stiff with one hand slightly raised involuntary. Taylor next scheduled fight was supposed to be against Andre Ward in the Super Six tournament this April.

Box Pro are not suprised Taylor has pulled out as even Lou DiBella, the former champions promotor had reportedly left Jermaine and urged him to retire.

“I’m going to take some time off from the sport of boxing and take myself out of Showtime Sports World Boxing Classic tournament,” Taylor said in a statement. “It’s important that I give my body and mind some much-needed rest, because I have been boxing for nearly 20 years. However I plan in staying in shape so I have the option to return to the sport sometime in the future”.

“This was not an easy decision for me, having discussed it with my family, trainer, friends and my adviser Al Haymon, because I’m a very competitive person. But I know this is the smart road for me to take.

The possible replacement for Taylor could be whoever wins the bout between Sakio Bika (famous from the contender and fighting against Joe Calzaghe)and Allan Green (a noted puncher)in February, if this is correct then Taylor’s scheduled fight against Andre Ward on April the 17th will probably be pushed back. There is also a possibility that Lucian Bute may be brought in so as not to mess up the super six schedule.

Either way it will be an exciting stand in!