Pavlik is likely to move up after he defeats JT one more time. Kessler is the man to beat at 168 (yes he is now after JC left) and HBO would propaply pay for this fight. This fight is the only fight that makes a hell of a lot sense for Kessler, but maybe Pavlik would prefer another opponent... What are your thoughts on this possible matchup?
I think Kessler is too big for Pavlik. If Taylors power and shitty defense caused Pavlik problems imagine what Kesslers Good defense and power(which is more than Pavliks) would do. Kessler knockout in the early rounds i would say.
I don't know who pavlik will fight after JT but Bob Arum makes stars so I think he will not let him take the easy route.
A great match up but the viking has too much for Kelly in my opinion. If Taylor can caused him problems then a bigger, stronger & very accurate & strong puncher like Kessler is going to be too much. I like both fighters very much but I think Kessler is going to be the man at SMW for a while.....!!! Kessler stops him in 7.
I think it's one of THE best possible matchups. Arum said at 160 Pavlik is the hardest hitting MW ever (over Hagler, Hearns, everyone). He said when Pavlik goes in at 164 his power is scary. I'd want to see if his power carries up to 168, but if it does, I like him over Kessler in KO 6. I know, it's a stretch. Kessler has better defense, but keep in mind that we'd see the same size Kessler that fought Calzaghe and we'd see the Pavlik that fought Jermain plus 8 pounds. (Look at the difference 7 pounds made for Cotto's chin) I think the additional weight would give KP better legs, a more stable chin, and even more pop in his straight right. Kessler has a pretty good defense, but he telegraphs his right too much and he is very flatfooted and fights in the traditional European stance: Straight up. Although his chin has never shown weakness, I really don't think Kessler's chin could take alot of straight rights. But to reiterate, this is a dream match up! All action between two pretty evenly matched fighters. Their styles are made perfectly for each other to create an amazing fight.
I like Pavlik but Kessler is too big and too good for him. Kesslers is very accurate with his punches and has a great defence also. I can see Kessler KO'ing or stopping Pavlik at around 8 rounds. Pavlik should stay at 160 where he will dominate with the lack of competition there.
Bullcrap. Kessler's power is over-rated and I'd like to see his kisser tested by the Pavlik right hand. Get kessler out of Copenhagen and Europe, and he gets into trouble. Pavlik will KO him at 168.
Kesslers accuracy should be too much for Pavlik, but I can see Kessler getting a bit flustered late on by Pavliks persistant workrate and pressure. Kessler Ud in a much tougher version of the Andrade fight. Although Kessler winning by ko is not to be discounted.
You think Pavlik has the power or skills to deter Kessler? I don't see it, Kessler comes in around 180 on fight night, he's just too big for Pavlik. If Kelly can make 160 OK then he should stay there for a while, he's got nothing to prove against bigger guys.