The Third Act

Jermain Taylor has a certain magnetic quality about him. Call it "athletic charisma." He exuded this coveted quality in his first act: the lead-up bouts en route to a title shot. In each of these fights, Taylor utilized precision, patience, and discipline. These virtues coupled with his supernatural physical gifts produced a result that gained him a following that prophesied a reign at the top which could rival the current King's. Who in their right mind would not only predict, but expect a young fighter to carry such a torch? That honor is reserved for special heroes who are deemed as such only after their achievements; he had not yet proven anything. But this was the power of Jermain Taylor.

And so began act 2.

Taylor got his title shot and won it in a fashion which had all parties heated. His disciples claimed he did not win in the manner he was supposed to, and his detractors were outraged that he now had the title despite the performance. But the faithful remained confident their prophesy was still true.

Forty eight rounds later, even the most faithful were looking for the smoke and mirrors behind the pulpit. The temple was sparse. Those who remained recited, "Beware. Beware. His physical gifts are there." But to those not influenced by their hopes saw an underachiever--an underachiever who in his reign has not yet followed through on his promises made in act 1. After every battle, there was always an excuse, none of which ever found fault with his physical talent; every explanation cited his discipline, patience, and control. These were things that had his disciples so frustrated: with his powers, Taylor could have been a part of the Justice League, yet he was stuck in traffic during every meeting.

Taylor's eventual demise was befitting, but not painless. Act 2 had been one long trial. Finally, on the night of September 29, 2007 the verdict was in: he was to be tortured. It was a mere human who rose to the occasion. A human in Kelly Pavlik did not see a deity before him; he did not see a superhero, a savior or chosen one. While Taylor's disciples saw his shiny cape, Pavlik saw the human wearing it. Pavlik beat the powers right out of him. Taylor fell to the ground, a mortal. He bled like a mortal. He lost like a mortal.

His disciples were hurt, stunned. But we stood by him; we wished him to try again. The human that he was--he did try again. He improved like a human; he failed like a human. The prophesy had proven to be false; the true Jermain Taylor has been identified. The confrontation and revelation have occurred. What is the resolution? What does act 3 hold?

How will the story end?