I realise that Pavlik removing Taylor was monumental and fabulous, but its still just Taylor. Cotto and Calzaghe both deserve more claim to the fighter of the year. Cotto beat Judah and Mosely, Calzaghe became the first Undisputed SMW and probably has the best overall win for the year in a prime undefeated Kessler. Cotto and Calzaghe both struggled less also, where as Pavlik nearly got taken out.
FOTY - The Contender 3 Final! Sakio Bika -vs- Jaidon Codrington KO of the Year - Ricky Hatton KO by Flyod mayweather Fighter of the Year - Kelly Pavlik , placed himself on the map!
No. Cotto and Calzaghe were already at least "somebody" before this year. Pavlik rose from the ranks of the totally unheard of to the very top with extremly impressive and *exciting* wins over two great opponents, Taylor and Miranda, both of which were supposed to KO his ass. The fact that Taylor nearly did it does not come into play. Kelly won the fight and is therefore a BRAND NEW star and obviously fighter of the year. Cotto and Calzaghe are honorable mentions, but can't compete with Pavlik here.
Fight - Marquez - Vazquez II - HM - Codrington - Bika KO - Donaire > Darchinyan - HM - Pavlik > Tayor Fighter - Pavlik - HM - Miguel Cotto
Btw, my picks: FOTY: Pavlik/Taylor KO of the Year: Floyd/Hatton (if for no other reason it was a huge fight and was the most embarassing KO since Zoo over Judah) Fighter: Pavlik
Fight of the year : Cotto / SSM KO of the year : Darchiniyan geeting blasted out on a perfect counter Boxer of the year : Kelly Pavlik
Fight of the year: Vazquez-Marquez 2 (Runner up: Bika vs. Codrington) KO of the year: Wilson over Nwodo (Runner up: Lee over Daniels) Fighter of the year: Cotto (Runner up: Mayweather)
FOTY - Vasquez vs. Marquez 2 KOTY - Cintron vs. Mathyesse Fighter of the Year - Kelly Pavlik .... Juan Diaz a close 2nd.