Since Pavlik has already fought at 168, we saw that he can carry the weight well and he will have no trouble fighting there. What about a fantasy match-up between Pavlik against one of the hardest hitters in 168 history in the person of Nigel Benn. Benn is probably underrated skillwise, as he is primarily a brawler who never resisted a rumble. His greatest asset is probably his heart, 10 rounds against McClellan proved that. On the other hand, he really isn't afraid to take one in the kisser, and against a puncher like Pavlik, who knows? Your thoughts?
I guess I forgot to mention that Benn has knocked guys out while on the verge of being stopped himself. Much like Gatti.
Which Been would be fighting? He so not consistent. I used to watch him fight a lot and you never knew which Been would come out. However, Pavlik is still fighting at 160, so until he starts fighting as a 168 pounder, we can't really know.
Benn was an awesome fighter,a fans fighter who on his best days could look like a cross between Dempsey and Duran,his one round war and destruction of Barkley an example of this,but he was also a fighter who'd have to be matched style wise.Patient,methodical boxers gave him trouble throughout his career.Eubank and Malinga the case in points.The patient approach behind a powerful jab Pavlik showed the other night would give Benn problems and Kelly has the power to keep Benn on the outside to tee off.The fight would be 50/50 for me and would ultimately come down to who could impose their style.Kelly though seems like an intelligent,tactical smart fighter who comes to the ring with a game plan and has the discipline to pull it off as opposed to Nigel who fought more on sheer emotion and heart.For this reason i would give the advantage to Pavlik.
with all due respect to kelly, he simply doesn't possess the jaw of eubank. 168 benn is a different animal to 160 benn as well. uses his brain a lot more and doesn't just go in hammering shots in like crazy like he did in the 160 years, he was a much more measured fighter at SMW. he also added a very effective low, bob and weave defence to his game, check out the g-man fight to see it in full effect.