I still support Pavlik pulling out of the fight with Bute because it got him out of Youngstown. I overrated Bute before last night, I think Pavlik can do something very simiular to what Froch did. Pavlik has even more power then Froch.
Judging on what we witnessed last night, you've got to give Pavlik a real chance of winning. The cat is out of the bag on Bute. It's his durability that is his weakness, not his skills. Pavlik is a tough guy and I can see him walking through Bute's shots and putting the same pressure that Froch put on him last night.
It's really a 50/50 fight now. . . If Bute gets caught, and loses his legs, he's helpless. . A MEAL for a guy like Pavlik. . . All he can do is retreat to the ropes, try to slip some punches, and land a big counter. . . But if Bute can dictate range, he could still clinic Pavlik. . . But Bute kind of also showed he really doesn't have good defense. . . He has no high-guard, nor does he bend at the waist very well. . .
So does Pavlik. . . He's got that left hook, and a HUGE straight right. . . Both have very good jabs, slight edge to Froch cause he shoots it UP from the waist. . . . I'd give Pavlik the slight edge on the straight right hand, though. I think overall Pavlik throws straighter, and more accurate punches. . . But Froch is more awkward, so that's a better thing when you don't have great base speed, or athletic attributes. . .
Both of these guys are in rebuild mode right now. I'd love to see this fight, but I doubt it happens anytime soon.
I think we could see Pavlik vs. Froch. . . I know Froch has still said he'd like to have a fight in Las Vegas. . . I'm thinking it could be Froch vs. Pavlik, or Froch vs Cloud. . . Pavlik might want one more "tuneup" fight after SIgmon. . . I'd say by end of 2012, or 2013, he'll be looking for a big fight. . . Obviously, if he can still make 160, he'll prolly stay there. . BUt if he can't comfortably make it, he'll be at 168 looking for names. . .
I'm not sure Bute will ever be "right" again, that's one of those kind of loses that you don't easily recover from.