By Dave Sholler (photo by Will Hart/HBO)

Former middleweight champion Jermain Taylor and the United States economy have a lot in common. A few years ago, Taylor was on top of the world. The Little Rock, Arkansas native was like a stock trader with a hot hand, he just couldn’t lose. Taylor (27-2, 17 KOS) put the word “bull” in bull market and started an upward trend that looked like it would never fall.

Much like the U.S. economy though, signs of decline started to creep in for Taylor. In his 2006 fight with Winky Wright, Taylor nearly lost his middleweight crown and was battered by the southpaw. After rebounding to defeat Kassim Ouma to end the year, Taylor returned in May 2007 and barely edge out junior middleweight challenger Cory Spinks.

Clearly, there were causes for concern. Jermain’s once potent jab seemed to dissipate. His killer instinct was gone, too. And his championship pedigree? It was undoubtedly questioned.

Things got even worse after the Spinks fight. Two straight losses to Kelly Pavlik ended Taylor’s championship reign and suddenly Jermain’s stock plummeted. The Razorback was no longer the world’s 160-pound superpower. Instead, his skills were deemed in recession and his future considered bleak.

As Taylor prepares for Saturday’s HBO bout against Jeff Lacy at 168 pounds, he yearns for a chance to break the downturn. He’s tired of scratching and clawing to prove that he can still be a champion. He’s through with experiencing emotional fluctuations. When he steps foot inside the Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee this weekend, Taylor wants to spark the flame that once put him atop the sport. Quite simply, Taylor wants to be afforded the opportunity to be considered a force again.

The task of steering his ship in the right direction will be no easy task. While Lacy (24-1, 17 KOs) has suffered his own turmoil since losing to Joe Calzaghe two years ago, he still possesses some of the traits that made him an Olympian. Three straight victories over Vitali Tsypko, Peter Manfredo Jr., and Epifanio Mendoza may have come in unimpressive fashion for Lacy, but wins are ever so valuable in boxing. Although Lacy, 31, may be a shell of his former self, he still boasts a venomous left hook and decent power. Both could prove to be the ultimate reasons why Taylor struggles to rise from his recent crash.

Still, Taylor has grounds to believe that the Lacy fight can revive his boxing portfolio. With a strong performance, Taylor can erase doubts that have seemingly gained steam over the past few years. Like any sensible economist though, Taylor will need to make the right investments against his Florida-based opponent.

The first choice “Bad Intentions” should make is to rely on his greatest asset; the jab. In fights with Wright, Spinks, and the first Pavlik encounter, Taylor got away from his stern lead punch. He must realize the jab’s value and reinstitute it. It carried him to back-to-back victories against Bernard Hopkins and made him competitive against Pavlik in their return bout earlier this year. Taylor’s commitment to the jab is like buying a certificate of deposit. The yield is always guaranteed.

After establishing the jab, Taylor must keep the Lacy bout in the center of the right where his speed and agility can be showcased. Against Wright and Pavlik, Taylor made futile attempts to rest on the ropes and dodge punches. Obviously, he was a bit exposed. In order to be successful from this point forward, Taylor has to approach fights like a trader approaches the stock floor. Quick feet, quick hands, and a relentless approach. On Saturday, Taylor has to funnel the gas out of the oft-fading Lacy.

With the jab and ring positioning covered, Taylor should have no problem leading his own resurgence. But make no mistake. Taylor’s credit within the boxing market is on the line against Lacy. A win signals hope.

A loss turns the bull into manure.

STIFF JABS

-The WBO is said to have forced Paul Williams to vacate his welterweight title. The reasoning? He wants to fight Verno Phillips for the interim 154-pound crown later this month. To me, it’s just another sign that Williams’ days at 147 are numbered. I understand the argument that true 147-pound fighters should not have to wait for the division-jumping Williams, but come on. The real reason he’ll be stripped is because welterweight opponents willing to fight “The Punisher” are few and far between. Plus, the ones that will fight him don’t command the coveted television time and subsequent purse money.

-Anyone given serious consideration to the fact that David Haye may have a tough time with Monte Barrett in his first heavyweight crusade? While I think “Hayemaker” will ultimately win the fight, here’s to betting that it doesn’t come easy.

-Oscar De La Hoya claims to already weigh 145 pounds. Sure, Oscar. And James Toney is fighting at featherweight in his next bout.

Dave Sholler is a featured columnist for newspapers across the country. Reach him at shollerholla4@hotmail.com.