I'm not saying Pavlik didn't go to the body at all, I'm trying to say Rubio blocked quite a few of Kelly's shots because he knew where Kelly was going. His didn't go to the body to make Rubio defend low then go upstairs. Like you said Rubio quit because of a loss of hope. Pavlik should have sent a message to the 160lb division that said hey I'm back. Instead it was a performance that was just ok and looked pretty much like the same fighter.
I always welcome people that exhibit less boxing knowledge than me. It is the only way I look good on here.
Pavlik is not going to be a long-reigning dominant champion, but he's doing the best with what he has. He'll always be slow, he'll always throw slow punches, and he'll never have any slickness to go with his power.
Anyone else notice that when Kelly goes on the defensive, he leans back, takes his left or right glove, brings it across his head and blocks the opposite side of his face with it? It seems to me that this would prevent you from seeing punches coming, leaving you open to a lot of offensive bursts from your opponent.
SO I SUPPOSED IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO NOTICED THIS. +1 Pavlik could improve his game by leaps and bounds if someone taught him how to feint. Much can be improved upon, however. Someone on this thread said they noticed that Pavliks footwork was better. That is INCORRECT. His footwork is no better than Antonio Margaritos and he demonstrated the SAME footwork as he did in the Hopkins fight. Since when are flat footed straight forward fighters applauded for their footwork? Those of you who THINK Pavlik looked so much better against Rubio are in for a rude awakening at some point. He looked good and in control because he was fighting a bum. Calzaghe would give Pavlik fits. Trust me on this. I MEAN FITS! By the way, I'm a Pavlik fan all the way. I don't think Jack Lowe is doing his job, if this is all he had to show in regard to " improvements".
The fight was actually a mixed bag. I saw things I liked, and things I didn't like. I didn't like the fact that Pavlik looked bored between rounds. I did not like the conversation after the 3rd round, I think it was. I could not hear what Leow said, but it sounded like KP basically asked permission to knock Rubio out. Jack said something I couldn't hear, and Kelly responded with, "What if I get a chance to land something big?" Jack said something else I couldn't hear, and KP sort of rolled his eyes and looked away. I wish the commentators would shut the **** up between rounds. I liked the use of the lead left hooks to the head followed by hooks to the body. I don't recall ever seeing KP tripple up on left hooks before. I liked the more frequent use of the lead right to the body. I liked the fact that KP controled the distance almost every minute of every round. I liked his patience, and the way he picked his shots instead of declaring war. From a fans point of view I would have enjoyed seeing Kelly just blast Rubio out. If I were training/developing him, I'd probalby want him to fight the glorified sparring session that we saw. He patiently ***** slapped Rubio into submission. Nothing wrong with that.
A decent comeback fight for Kelly ... nothing more than a well paid sparring session ..Rubios chin held up well though . Whoever said KP hasnt got quick hands is watching a different fight to me ..the guy has lightning speed to go with the power . As Gary Lockett said he couldnt see the punches coming . All in all a good confidence booster and surely Duddy next which will be a TKo within 4 rounds ... the lets see if Arthur Abraham and Kp can get it on ...
:yep I wish I could describe the sound of Pavlik's shots landing. Rubio's head was snapping back something aweful, and I got to say....He's one TOUGH mo'fo.:deal ps. I was behind Pavlik at round 6, you say he was wearing a smile at the end of the round??
Man, I can't say what happened to Rubio against Kofi...what 4 years ago? But I can tell you that he is CRAZY tough. Pav was landing bombs that many a fighter would have crumbled from, and Rubio's head was snapping back so hard....well, he has a VERY under rated chin, IMO.
:good Rock on Jeff. I was 10 feet away when Pav had him on the ropes in the first round, and for a second I thought it was gonna' be all over. Dudes critcizing, would have criticized no matter how or what happened in there.:yep