I agree on the defence-part: i think it looks rather leaky. Not of the 50% connect percentage Bowe-type of leaky, but still. It should be added, though, that Taylor has extremely fast hands and Miranda is no pushover either. But, if i'd had to point out one weakness, it would be his defence. On the flipside, he is often in a position to counter.
A word on his defence - Senya, yeah, he has improved since you saw him, though not dramatically. He is turning/rolling better with punches, and as Chris says, he is ready with the counter (which is a part of a fighter's defence, obviously). I think when judging him in this department it needs to be remembered that he is an aggressive puncher who sits permenantly or near permenantly in the pocket. He's no Duran, nor is he Robinson, but given his style he is both understandably hittable AND likely to hurt/ko an awful lot of opponents. I think his heart makes him stupid at times. You'll never see Pavlik take a knee. Right now between 160 and 175 I only favour Calzaghe, though i'd very much like to see Kelly fight Glen Johnson, because that fight would be great. It is possible that his very straight-ahead style would run into difficulties with Tarver, though that fight would be less good. You know what I like best about him? You get the feeling he would fight Klitschko if the fight could be made. And he would punch, not box!
Haven't seen last fight, but at least I feel relieved that my view of Pavlik was close enough to truth, even though I'm not keeping an eye on current events at all (learned that the fight had taken place yesterday only from the forum, I wasn't aware of the date they were to meet before).
Absolutely amazing performance from Hopkins, and for the first time since long he actually fought an exciting fight. Does make you appreciate Calzaghe more. I'd still love to see Abraham-Pavlik, though i'm pretty sure Abraham stops him.
Yeah, this hasnt made me wanna see Abraham-Pavlik any less, two top MWs, has to be done imo. And yes, the nature of Pavlik-Hopkins does make one think highly of Joe, if you didnt already (everyone should though!), but i had Hopkins beating Joe for the record.
He was equally as exciting against Tarver. Infact, he may well have landed more power punches on Tarver than he did against Pavlik last night. Very similar type of showings. His jab was being thrown against Pavlik, unlike his domination against Tarver when it was all upppercuts, right hand leads, left hooks to the body, etc.
I don´t think this fight changes anything in regards of Pavlik-Abraham. That fight could still be one of the biggest in the last few years. Both are made for each other. It´s either Pavlik on points due to workrate or Abraham by KO. 50/50 fight, I stick with King Arthur since he lives only a few streets away from me and I met him a few times doing his roadwork.