Shannan Taylor vs. Ian McKillop On Friday Night

19.07.06 - By Tony Nobbs: Australian Shannan Taylor returns to action in his home city of Wollongong on Friday night when he faces Canada's Ian McKillop for the vacant IBO Intercontinental light middleweight title over twelve rounds at the WIN Enterainment Centre. Taylor, 34, last fought in the Steel City in 2000 when he stopped another Canadian, Nick Rupa in eight.

The fight with Mc Killop will be his first outing since losing a unanimous decision to Arthur Abraham for the IBF middleweight title in Germany on March 4. Taylor, a four time world title challenger (two with the fledgling IBO) currently has a record of 42-5-2, 28 KO's.

“I'm the lightest I have been in five years,” said the "Bulli Blaster” on Wednesday. “I've had good sparring, I'm in good shape. I'm on weight now. Everyone is talking about how fit I look."

What does he know of his opponent? “I've seen one tape of him. That's all I need. When we get in there his trainer can't help him. No one can. I'm looking to win this fight by knockout and get back in the rankings."

Mc Killop, 28, fights out of Montreal. His record is 23-6-2, 13 KO's.

Also on the card, promoted by Taylor's “Blaster Promotions” are ten rounders featuring Adrian Campbell v Arnel Poras at welterweight and Bob Mirovic v Richard Tutaki in a heavyweight rematch.