Mikkel Kessler vs. Kelly Pavlik right now - PART I (before Bouadla)

Kessler via stoppage. Pavlik is done.

 

Kessler UD. I can't see either stopping the other. They are pretty similar fighters honestly. I think Kessler is the slightly better boxer though, so I'd go with him on points.

 

If Kessler is anyone near the level he was at against Froch then he beats Pavlik handily.

Pavlik looked really poor against Lopez, seems to have faded a lot.

 

Somebody would panic and call 911,Kessler would murder him.

 

Impossible to call, but I'd go with Kessler probably. I dont think Pavlik will improve much from that last fight.

 

Kessler abuses him.

 

Kessler via UD

 

Kessler - either a wide decision or a TKO - probably the latter. I like The Ghost, but I thought he looked like he was just an exciting ESPN level fighter in his last fight. Far from the hard-hitting, confident, and fresher guy who made some noise at middleweight 4 years ago. Kessler's not the fighter he used to be, but he's definitely the superior fighter here.

 

Looking at both men last fights i would go with Kessler. Pavlik will probably be better then last time and Kessler may have declined a bit but Pavlik looked horrible and i dont see him winning. Pavlik wont have the size advantage he had over most of the Middleweights and Kessler is probably stronger.
Kessler UD.

 

Kessler would stop the Pavlik that beat Lopez by late knockout or a pretty wide UD. Would be good in the sense that they both have the most powerful jab in boxing IMO

 

Kessler is still relevant and if anything he's underrated. Pavlik has to be the most overrated boxer in recent years. I like the guy but the dude has done **** all in recent years. Kessler's is a handfull for anyone. In his last fight he overcame a tough **** in froch. Pavlik hasn't done anything like that in years.

 

Very good points. They are actually very similar. I voted Kessler KO but was a bit reluctant to since Pavlik has a solid beard.
Personally I think it's too early to judge Pavlik over the Lopez fight as well. Lopez is unbeaten and could prove to be world class. I still think Kessler beats him at this point though.

 

I think Pavlik would win this. I have a feeling that Kessler is no longer anywhere near the fighter he was at his peak. A good win vs Froch (I had him losing by 2 pts though) but I just think his age is starting to catch up with him.

The only top fighter at super-middle that I see him beating is Bute. Even though I think he's on the slide, I believe Kessler matches up great stylistically v Bute.

Fair enough, Pavlik looked poor vs Lopez but ring rust played a part there I think. He's not a great fighter imo but he's tough and resilient so I think he would just outlast Kessler over 12 rounds