Pavlik looked very good while it lasted. He was actually planning on logging some rounds, but Jaco let his right hand drift out of position and showed Kelly his chin. At that point KP did exactly what he should have done. The left hook that stopped Jaco would have at least buzzed pretty much anybody from MW to LHW. That one was one hell of a shot.
Yeah he we'll fare well with fighters like Froch and Kessler that are more stationary. Ward will take him out of his game completely IMAO. Bute is huge question mark we'll now more after his fight in England.
Think we have to keep it a bit real here.You had some fans who were banging in about Kelly looking like a world beater in the gymatsch and haters saying he looked **** in a first fight back. The fact he's back at all is good news,this fight was never going to please everyone.Don't think he could have done a whole lot more. I just fear he's been too far down in the depths and ****ed up too many of his prime years to truly make a dent again,especially at 168,where we don't know if he'd have made it even without the problems. It's where he is in a year and three fights in that will tell us what we want to know.I'm not a huge fan but I do feel a bit sorry for the guy.
We're talking about a sport where physical and mental wellbeing along with taking proper care of yourself is non-negotiable. This would be one of the best comebacks of the modern era and I just don't know if Kelly's capable of it.Especially at 168.
Good points. These are the biggest reasons why I'd like to see him brought along slowly in LOC, but staying real busy all the same. Pretty sure an alcoholics two biggest obstacles are pride and self pity. If he's fighting and beating big names too soon, he could become prideful and relapse. If he's losing to those same guys, he could get depressed and relapse. Also, his market value will decrease all the more. I'd like to see him brought along against this type of fighter for another bout or two, then bring him up in the Clevel, or lower in the Blevel. If he's beating these guys fairly handily, try for a minor title against a top Blevel guy or even the bogus world title held by Steilgitz. Like you said, he aint exactly proven at this weight, and how far he fell, skillwise, is still an unknown if at all.
im glad he is back, time will tell at what level. 2 rounds not enough to juge him. with Kessler moving up (still dont get that move) and Ward playing Duck...Duck...Goos , 168 division needs him (@ his best of corse) more than ever. Good luck Kelly
One can't discount the value of firing Jack "Triple up the Jab" Loew, hiring a real pro trainer, and leaving behind all of his bad childhood influences in Youngstown.
My approach would be to geographically keep him away from everyone who wants to buy him a drink in Youngstown. Second, and I think Garcia is doing this, I would take advantage of Kelly's huge heart and try to 'Mexicanize' his style by keeping him aggressive and throwing more bodypunches and with both hands. It's not rocket science, but I always felt Loew didn't know how to take KP to the next level in his career.
thats funny u just said mexicanize him, wich in a sense would be a good move he can stand in there and take shots as well as give a beatting i think he should go back down to 160 thats where he can do the most damage