Did Pavlik's trainer panic too early when the going got tough? I think so...

Even if he would have kept doubling the jab...the often calls for a timed right hook so it's not a bail out punch...

 

The Pavlik vs. Hopkins fight was a joke with no impact of Pavlik's future, re:

I've been a lurker on this site and enjoy reading all the comments. I respect divergent opinions. Nevetheless, I admit I'm confused about today's state of boxing vs. years ago. Case in point is the recent Pavlik vs. Hopkins fight.

First, I believe Pavlik was outboxed by Hopkins. But, what did Pavlik lose ? A perfect record, which few fighters achieve. He did not fight for his middleweight belt or a title fight. He did put lots of money in his bank account, and at 4 to 1 odds, if I was a betting man, I may have betted against myself.

Second, these catchweight fights are similar to wrestling matches. Here, Pavlik moves up two weight classes from middleweight to Lt Heavy weight for a non-title fight ? He never fought at that weight before, I think ? What happened to tune up fights and fighting up through the ranks in a certain weight class ?

Third, if Hopkins was fighting for the middleweight belt, I think the Pavik performance factor may have been different.

Fourth, De La Hoya was stopped by Hopkins, yet the naysayers have little problem paying to see him fight PacMan or other ridiculous bouts that again are non-title fights. And, no one says De La Hoya was exposed or a bum when he had to stop fighting due to a body shot by Hopkins.

Finally, these professional fighters are at such a higher level that it is not beyond reason to make these fights sparring matches or a day at the gym for them. They can hedge on output, hold back on knockouts, and do just about anything to let you think it was a true fight. It is snake oil and smoke and mirrors with suckers paying to see these stupid fights.

So, this fight sustains Hopkins as an aging fighter who can fight Jones or Calzaghe (sic) again for more money. It sustains these guys for a few more years. If they were such greats why not fight for the middleweight belt or a championship bout ?

I can see no gain for Pavik for taking this fight other than a big pay day and being assured of future fights by the match makers.

I also think that Pavik will be back and clean up the middle weight division. He is young, hits hard, and needs a few adjustments.

These are solely my own personal opinions.

Cheers,

KMcD