Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor is a former professional boxer who made a significant impact in the middleweight division during the 2000s.
Known for his powerful jab and impressive knockout record, Taylor’s career was marked by both triumphs and controversies.
In this article, you will learn about Jermain Taylor’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Jermain Taylor’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lecester Jermain Taylor |
| Nickname | Bad Intentions |
| Born | August 11, 1978 |
| Age | 45 |
| College | N/A (Earned GED) |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 million |
| Salary | Varied per fight |
| Relationship Status | Separated |
| Instagram Profile | – |
Early Career
Jermain Taylor’s boxing journey began at age 13 when he first stepped into a gym in Little Rock, Arkansas. Despite a rough start, Taylor’s determination and natural talent quickly became evident.
Under the guidance of coach Ozell Nelson, who became a father figure to him, Taylor honed his skills and rose through the amateur ranks.
This achievement set the stage for his transition to professional boxing and marked the beginning of a promising career.
Professional Career
Taylor turned professional in 2001, quickly making a name for himself with his powerful jab and knockout ability.
His career reached new heights in 2005 when he defeated the legendary Bernard Hopkins to become the undisputed middleweight champion.
However, his reign came to an end in 2007 when he lost to Kelly Pavlik. Taylor continued to compete at a high level, moving up to super middleweight and challenging for world titles.
Despite facing personal and legal challenges later in his career, Taylor’s impact on the middleweight division during his prime remains significant.
Wife
Jermain Taylor was married to Erica Taylor (née Smith), a former WNBA player, from 2003 to 2015. The couple had 4 children together before their divorce.
In 2016, Taylor married Lutza Gayot, but they later separated. His relationships have been strained at times due to personal struggles and legal issues that have plagued his later years.
Jermain Taylor’s Net Worth Details
Jermain Taylor’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Year | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| Bernard Hopkins (1st fight) | 2005 | $3.75 million |
| Bernard Hopkins (2nd fight) | 2005 | $3.75 million |
| Winky Wright | 2006 | $3.75 million |
| Kelly Pavlik (1st fight) | 2007 | $3.5 million |
| Kelly Pavlik (2nd fight) | 2008 | $3 million |
| Carl Froch | 2009 | $1.5 million |
Endorsements
Throughout his career, Taylor had several endorsement deals, including:
- Everlast boxing equipment
- Arkansas Department of Health’s “Stamp Out Smoking” campaign
- Local Arkansas businesses and charitiesF
Career Records
Jermain Taylor’s professional boxing record includes several notable opponents:
| Opponent | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bernard Hopkins | Win (SD) | 2005 |
| Bernard Hopkins | Win (UD) | 2005 |
| Winky Wright | Draw | 2006 |
| Kassim Ouma | Win (UD) | 2006 |
| Cory Spinks | Win (SD) | 2007 |
| Kelly Pavlik | Loss (TKO) | 2007 |
| Kelly Pavlik | Loss (UD) | 2008 |
| Jeff Lacy | Win (UD) | 2008 |
| Carl Froch | Loss (TKO) | 2009 |
| Sam Soliman | Win (UD) | 2014 |
FAQs
1. Who is Jermain Taylor?
Jermain Taylor, born on August 11, 1978, in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a retired American professional boxer. Known as “Bad Intentions,” he was the undisputed middleweight champion in 2005 after defeating Bernard Hopkins. He also won a bronze medal in boxing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
2. What are Jermain Taylor’s major achievements in boxing?
Taylor’s most notable achievements include becoming the undisputed middleweight champion by defeating Bernard Hopkins in 2005 and winning the IBF middleweight title twice. He also earned a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics and won multiple National Golden Gloves titles during his amateur career.
3. What is Jermain Taylor’s professional boxing record?
Jermain Taylor’s professional record stands at 38 fights with 33 wins (20 by knockout), 4 losses, and 1 draw. He competed from 2001 to 2014, with notable victories over Bernard Hopkins, Cory Spinks, and William Joppy.
4. How did Jermain Taylor start his boxing career?
Taylor began boxing at age 13 under trainer Ozell Nelson. As an amateur, he won two National Golden Gloves titles and a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics before turning professional in 2001. His early success included a streak of 25 consecutive wins.
5. What challenges has Jermain Taylor faced outside the ring?
Taylor has faced significant legal and personal challenges, including arrests for assault and other charges. Additionally, he suffered a brain injury during his career, which led to concerns about his health and temporary withdrawal from boxing.
6. What injuries did Jermain Taylor sustain during his career?
Taylor suffered a brain injury after being knocked out by Arthur Abraham in 2009, resulting in a severe concussion and short-term memory loss. This injury raised concerns about his safety in the ring and led to his withdrawal from the Super Six World Boxing Classic.
7. What is Jermain Taylor’s legacy in boxing?
Taylor’s legacy is defined by his technical skill, resilience, and historic achievements as an undisputed middleweight champion. He is remembered as one of Arkansas’ greatest athletes and an inspiration to aspiring boxers from the region.
8. What legal issues has Jermain Taylor encountered?
Taylor has faced multiple legal problems, including felony assault charges and incidents involving firearms. These issues have impacted his public image and personal life but have not overshadowed his contributions to boxing.
9. What was Jermain Taylor’s last professional fight?
Taylor’s last fight took place on October 4, 2014, when he defeated Sam Soliman via unanimous decision to win the IBF middleweight title for a second time. He retired shortly after due to health concerns.
10. How has Jermain Taylor contributed to his community?
Beyond boxing, Taylor has been involved in charitable efforts such as Arkansas’ “Stamp Out Smoking” campaign and promoting speech therapy for children with speech impediments like his own. He also co-owned a sports training facility in Little Rock, Arkansas.
