Taylor retains middleweight championships

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Jermain Taylor unanimously outpointed Kassim Ouma Saturday night to retain his WBO and WBC middleweight titles.

Taylor, fighting in his home state for the first time since winning the title in 2005, was in control throughout despite a cut around his left eye that appeared to bother him in the later rounds. There was little suspense at the end – open scoring was used at the fight and showed Taylor with a big lead after eight rounds.

Taylor became the middleweight champion in July 2005 by beating Bernard Hopkins in Las Vegas, then beat Hopkins there again that December. Taylor escaped with a draw against Winky Wright in July in Memphis, Tenn., to keep his undisputed title.

After three straight decisions, Taylor (26-0-1) hoped for a knockout in front of his home fans, but Ouma (25-3-1) made the Little Rock native fight the full 12 rounds.

The judges scored the fight 118-110, 117-111 and 115-113.