He didn't seem to be saying that after the fight: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7523449.stm "I've no excuses for the defeat as I was in the shape of my life; I hadn't suffered any injuries in the build-up and I was the least nervous I'd ever been but the guy was a class above."
Right, i hadnt heard anything about any health issues either.. Pavlik is a step above 99pct of middleweights though. Alot if guys Pavlik beat are/have gone on to some success, and just because Lockett lost to him, doesnt mean he has to be finished
Taylor easily. Lockett doesn't belong any higher than 154 and has no balls. Taylor RTD 4 Lockett Lockett takes a few shots, possibly hits the canvas, then begs Enzo Calzaghe to stop the fight - pretty much the same as the Pavlik fight.
Taylor by KO. Why? ....because Lockett serves as nothing but a punching bag for world class fighters.