In recent memory a number of fighters realized significant benefits from moving up in weight. Litzau, Khan, and Ortiz are 3 examples that come to mind immediately. Other posters may be able to list additional examples. After the news of what Pavlik actually went through to make weight for the Martinez fight came out, I went back and reviewed a number of earlier fights. I started with fights in 2002 and worked forward to 2010. In 2002 at age 20 KP looked like a natural Middleweight. By 2005 you could see changes in his physique, muscle tone, and skin color. He was starting to look like a guy who was fighting in the wrong division. In 2006 Pavlik went through hell to make weight for the McKart fight. During the post fight interview he called out Taylor and Abraham, and made it clear that Team Pavlik was seriously considering a move up. His next fight came at a catchweight above 160. In early 2007 KP got the chance to appear in the main event on an HBO BAD card against Jose Luis Zertuche. That fight was a WBC middleweight title eliminator. Of course Pav took the fight. It meant he was finally going to get his shot. Kelly entered the ring at 171 pounds. After Zertuche came Miranda, and again KP entered the ring right at 170 pounds. The weight was the same in the first Taylor fight. Pavlik weighed in at 159.5 for Martinez, and the very next day he entered the ring at 178. That means he rehydrated 18.5 pounds in about 30 hours. That much weight gain is a pretty clear sign of weight drain and dehydration. These days Pavlik walks around in good shape at about 192-193. At the 30 day weigh in for his next fight he was 184. Kelly Pavlik is naturally bigger than most super middleweights. Even making 168 will be no easy task. I think he'll have to train like a lunatic to make the weight. At the end of the day, it will be good for him, and I do not think we've seen the last of, or even the best of, Kelly "Tjhe Ghost" Pavlik.
184 one month before the fight is just perfect. He just has to lose 6 pounds until the final dehydration process. Cannot be better. He should be very strong on fight night and might make a very successful comeback.
Good post and observation, I can tell your a dedicated Boxing fan. :good I doubt Pavlik will change trainers, I hear they are like father and son. Didn't they get drunk and fight some bums at a bar once? lol
Pavlik and Leow were not drunk. They had just arrived at Southside Civic Center after an amatuer boxing show. Some drunk tried to jump on Kelly, and some other customers grabbed the guy and ruffed him up a bit. Pavlik and Leow never touched him.
What are you talking about, you Limey *****? Pavlik lost to an ATG and a man presently considered a P4P candidate, and he's a great "white hype"? Go **** yourself.
Good to hear. I like how how people give him **** and joke around with the alcohol issues, it will make his redemption feel even better. The Victor Ortiz story shines so much more after all the **** he got from 'fans'. I'm positive Pavlik has similar intentions. Go Kelly!
Exactly. Many of these Mexican fight fans are suffering from a bout of amnesia with respect to Ortiz. :deal
That's what i'm talking about. Keep F'ing with this man's pride and you gonna create a monster. Go Pavlik! I believe.
I really hope he's on the right path here. Sounds like it, we'll see how the time out of the ring has done for him. If he wins impressive there should be a big fight for him later this year. I wish to hell he would go train in Vegas or LA though from now on, stay away from the distractions and get better sparring, the kid can fight and makes exciting fights and is still young enough to grab straps at 168 and 175, and I believe he could be a force at 175 for a while if he stays straight arrow. Good for him, looking forward to seeing what he comes back with, always thought he was a decent guy with a big heart.
Here's a question for ya Swarmer. On those occassions when Pavlik got the double-jab/right-hand mojo working, how many of those opponents saw the final bell?