JOHNSTOWN —
Andres Taylor didn’t expect to be home this week.
Of course, the Johnstown boxer didn’t plan on being in Venezuela for the Thanksgiving holiday, either.
Taylor had been scheduled to fight for a world championship on Saturday in Caracas, Venezuela, against Panamanian titleholder Guillermo Jones at The El Poliedro de Caracas.
But the title fight has been pushed back to Nov. 24 because Taylor said Jones’ camp informed him that the boxer injured his hand while training.
“I’m back home this week and then next week, I’ll head back to camp for another four weeks,” said Taylor, who trains in Ambridge, Beaver County.
Taylor, who is 21-2-2 with eight knockouts, is disappointed that the date of the WBA World cruiserweight championship bout has been pushed back, but his trainer put a positive spin on the postponement.
“I was bummed out but one of my trainers said, ‘This is great. You have four more weeks of training. You’ll watch more tape and prepare,’” Taylor said.
The 6-foot-4 Jones is 38-3-2 with 30 knockouts since 1993. He began his career as a welterweight but later won the world title as a cruiserweight in 2008. The knock on the 40-year-old Jones is that he has only defended his title twice and this will be his first fight of 2012.
“When you’re the champion you have those perks,” Taylor said, noting he has previously fought after injuries he sustained during sparring sessions. “It’s fine. Whenever we fight, I’ll have those perks (after a title win).”
The Johnstown fighter already is in excellent condition. He feels that will be to his advantage, especially against an opponent who has fought as few times as Jones in recent years.
“When you’re not in the ring as much, your body isn’t used to taking a pounding,” he said.
Taylor spent Thursday night participating in the Johnstown Halloween Parade.
“I’ll be throwing candy to the kids,” Taylor said.
When asked if he’d don Halloween attire, Taylor joked, “I’ll be wearing my costume. I’m dressing as myself.”
Sports
Taylor’s title fight postponed
- Sports
-
-
Penguins look to close out Senators
Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson isn’t quite ready for the traditional season-ending handshake.
-
Bell wants to answer call in Steelers backfield
Le’Veon Bell wants the ball in his hands. Always.
-
Pirates complete three-game sweep of Cubs
It was hard to tell whether the Pittsburgh Pirates were heading on a road trip or getting ready for a Stanley Cup playoff game after beating the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Thursday for their fourth straight win.
-
Pens seize 3-1 series lead over Senators
Sidney Crosby was careful not to get too far ahead of himself after helping the Pittsburgh Penguins rout the Ottawa Senators for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series.
-
Liriano dominant in third start with Bucs
Francisco Liriano’s fastball is going where he wants it to. The Pittsburgh Pirates are following suit.
-
Miller improving, but cautious about return
Heath Miller knows his football career isn’t over, just paused. When the injured Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl tight end will be able to hit the “play” button again is anybody’s guess.
-
Senators relish chance to even series with Penguins
After a win in Game 3, the Ottawa Senators are confident they can tie their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
-
Snider’s grand slam lifts Bucs over Cubs
Travis Snider took a pregame pep talk from his manager to heart. Relaxed and with a clear head, he delivered a crucial sixth-inning home run for the second time in five games.
-
Humbled Steelers ready to forget offseason
Troy Polamalu walked off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice field on Tuesday with rookie safety Shamarko Thomas hanging on the veteran safety’s every word.
-
Palmer to leave UPJ women’s position
Sasha Palmer will embark on a new chapter as a women’s basketball coach next month.
- More Sports Headlines
-
George: I slipped up
LeBron, Wade on OT win
Hill responds after Game 1 loss to Heat
Vogel: We've got to play better
Spoelstra: Welcome to the Eastern Conference Finals
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Coach's quick call saves Moore football team
Sergio Garcia issues an apology to Tiger Woods
Sergio Garcia makes insensitive remark about Tiger Woods
Athletes come to aid of Oklahoma tornado victims
Tiger Woods on his relationship with Sergio Garcia
NBA Draft: Top 5 Prospects
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
Race Preview: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Behind the Seams: Big Spenders are Busts
Red Wings take 2-1 series lead
McReynolds: Johnson Coca-Cola 600 favorite?
McReynolds: 48 Team primed for Chase
