Pavlik/Rubio: What Should KP Do??

I would just tell him to out there and do what he does. It will surely work against Rubio.

Once he's got things under control and some confidence he might want to ease off a bit instead of forcing a stoppage and maybe experiment a little.

 

Just go out and do what he normally does, he'll overpower Rubio.

 

Since I plan on going to the fight I wouldn't mind if Pavlik boxed a bit and worked on a few things before scoring a stoppage. I would enjoy a few rounds of boxing instead of a quick stoppage. But in actuallity I think Pavlik should just do what he does. Apply pressure and take the ko when it comes. I fully expect Pavlik to stop Rubio but if there is one thing Rubio can do it is bang some. I don't know if giving Rubio more rounds and chances to land something big is the smartest move.

 

ambedextrious ???

are you sure i thought he was a natural left hander who switched it up not an ambedextrious fighter

 

I think Kelly should bank a few rounds, but be patient in trying to force the stoppage and then work on some new things. Rubio's tough, but doesn't have much that should really threaten Kelly. This would be the perfect time to practice some new things not just because he's facing a somewhat limited contender, but because it would show the fans that he's learned something from the Hopkins fight.

Pavlik still hits hard enough to get plenty of knockouts without needing to force the issue- if he went out and Lockett'd Rubio, he'd get credit for bouncing back strong, but I think it's more important for his game long term to show a new wrinkle or two first. If he doesn't do it now, I don't think he'd start doing it against Abraham just by weighing the potential risks if they don't work for him. It makes alot more sense to test it out now against Rubio.

 

I agree with whats already been said, KP should just do his thing and once it becomes one-sidingly clear no way he loses, go ahead and try some new stuff.

This is not the kind of fight where he has to knockout the guy impressively to prove he is still a great fighter.

 

I don't think Rubio has power on par with Pavlik but I still think he could be dangerous if he hangs around. I think Kelly is going to be a justifiable big favorite but I also think it will be a fun fight while it lasts. As far as mandatories go Rubio isn't bad and like you mentioned he has earned his shot more than most do.

 

Just got Feb 2009 The Ring mag & on the last page theres a little article about KP vs Rubio & Kelly said he "wants to prove to the doubters that that wasn't the real Kelly Pavlik against B Hop. I wanna make a statement. I wanna look good against Rubio."

Sounds like he just wants to get in there & totally crush him. But I agree, he should start working on some different things & Rubio would be a good place to showcase 'em.