Yes.

I am picking Jermain Taylor to regain the middleweight championship of the world tonight from Kelly Pavlik, against what many would consider sound judgement.

Just for fun, here is a recap of things going against Taylor tonight:

1. He's looked terrible his last few fights.

2. He's fighting the fighter that knocked him out in this last fight.

3. He's fighting a very talented champion in his 1st defense.

Sure, most prognosticators are going with Pavlik tonight, and I can see why. Heck, after going over it again I almost want to change my pick.

Almost.

The fact is that Jermain Taylor was once considered a can't miss prospect to reign his division for years to come, and he looked darn close to doing it, too.  I'm a big believer in there being reasons for everything.

I'm an optimist and a half full kind of guy.

I like ideas like fate and destiny.

I believe in God.

Surley, the man who defeated Bernard Hopkins twice in close, controversial decisions and fought Winky Wright to a draw learned something. Surely, the man that stopped Hopkins defense streak has more in store than bowing out weakly. Surely, America's brightest hope from the 2000 Olympics career isn't finished.

No, there are reasons for everything.

Taylor's victory tonight will re-solidify his status in boxing and give fight fans what they want: a great champion who will fight anyone.

Truthfully, I look forward to seeing Taylor and Pavlik go at it tonight. I think Taylor will come out swinging and use his jab more effectively this time to capture a win. Both fighters are big, tough punchers, but Taylor has something else to fight for tonight. If he loses tonight, Jermain Taylor is finished.

Teddy Atlas from ESPN has Pavlik tonight by a 5th round K.O. I'm calling for the complete opposite.

Jermain Taylor will regain his title by a 5th round K.O. to set up the exciting rubber-match.  Why?  Because its good for boxing (and God likes boxing). 

Official Fight Picks: 1-1 (.500)

UPDATE: In retrospect, the fight tonight is being fought at 166 lbs, 6 lbs over the middleweight limit.  This is dumb and not good for boxing.  Basically, Jermain Taylor can win tonight and NOT regain the title he lost to Pavlik.  Bleh.  That kinda blows my whole everything for a reason argument out of the water, but I'll stand by my pick.