Shocking News from Lou DiBella
Posted by Joe Roche on 12.11.2009
DiBella breaks off relationship with Jermain Taylor.
Promoter Lou DiBella, who has promoted the career of Jermain Taylor since it began has released a press statement saying that his relationship with the former middleweight champion is done.
"I have just been informed though numerous press reports that Jermain Taylor has elected to continue his participation in The Super Six: World Boxing Classic tournament, and will face Andre Ward in April. It is with a heavy heart, but strong conviction, that I will recuse myself and DiBella Entertainment as Jermain's promoter.
DiBella cited a responsibility to Taylor and his family in why he decided to end his relationship with Taylor. "Jermain's career has been outstanding, and it has been a pleasure and honor to promote him. His victories against Bernard Hopkins remain the highlights of my career as a promoter. Jermain is not only a great fighter, but a good and decent man with a wonderful family. It is out of genuine concern for him and his family that I am compelled to make this decision.
"It is my belief that the continuation of Jermain's career as an active fighter places him at unnecessary risk. While he is undoubtedly capable of prevailing in future bouts, I cannot, in conscience, remain involved given my assessment of such risk.
"I wish Jermain all the best in his future endeavors. All of us at DiBella Entertainment hold Jermain close to our hearts and consider him and his family part of our family. We wish him Godspeed and continued health."
This is obviously a major development as you rarely see a promoter drop a fighter due to health concerns from the promoters perspective, especially when the fighter is guaranteed at least two more major television fights as Taylor is. Personally I think DiBella should be commended for his position – he is stepping back from a situation that he feels uncomfortable in even though it means taking himself out of a position to make some more money off a fighter. We always criticize promoters for their ability to use a fighter up and throw him away – well here is a guy who just couldn't sit idly by and watch Jermain Taylor risk his life in the ring.
