If Taylor KD Pavlik on the 2nd, im inclined to think Benn could do the same but finish him. Benn was alot more explosive, carried alot more dynamite and was mentally alot tougher. His boxing skills are somewhat underrated too. Both Eubank & Benn would have beat Pavlik fairly easily IMO, not taking anything away from Pavlik but those guys were IMO a level above.
I would go for benn if pavlik was in trouble in any sort of way like in the taylor fight, which im sure at some point he would be then benn would take him out. Kelly also throws bombs so he has a chance, it would be a great fight to watch.
Pavlik throws explosives but Geral Mclellan threw bombs, IMO more skilled too. If Benn could withstand him and score a tragic KO, its likely he could do the same to Kelly.
Nah, Hopkins is too cagey, slick, and skilled for that to happen. He would outbox Benn and win pretty clearly. I wouldn't pick anybody to stop a prime Hopkins at middleweight.
You are selling Kelly short here. For one, I think that Kelly's boxing skills are vastly underrated, because he has had a search and destroy run going now, but he really has a top jab(he would outjab Benn).. he has a GOOD defense, he moves his head good when told to do so, he keeps his hands up effectively. I could see a Benn early TKO win, but if Pavlik weathers the storm, this will be a Miranda-type fight, with Pavlik coming on strong late, stopping Benn. Benn was a beast at both 160 and 168, but his boxing skills aren't as good as Pavliks, he's a brawler, his stamina is a big issue, and I'm going to lean on that, because Pavliks got defensive skills, and his jab is good stuff. Benn - Pavlik would be awesome though, I could see both men getting dropped and coming back strong. Now, a guy like G-man, thats where you'd find Pavlik on his arse early, most certainly.
Your selling Benn short, his head movement was tremendous and he could box when he needed too. His power was on another level to Pavlik as well. Benns power was concussive. Pavlik is solid but accumalative
It is, Benns power is superior to Pavliks! But does Benn have the stamina to go 12 rounds with a guy that never lets him take a break.. given that Kelly does weather the early storm. Benn did have headmovement, and he could box, but his jab wasnt all that, and just like Chris Eubank said, Nigel is a beast, but those muscles will need oxygen and when you've made him go to war, it will show late how good his stamina truly is.
You'd have to fancy Benn. Pavlik may have power, but it's more accumulative rather than explosive; his output coupled with his heavy hands get him his stoppages. I think Benn would be able to use his superior speed to bob and weave his way in, get close to him and land bombs without taking too much damage. I don't think it would take too long before Pavlik's chin cracked because he's not exactly hard to hit and Benn could bang with the best of them. That said, Benn wasn't blessed with an iron jaw either so Kelly couldn't be completely counted out either.