I'm willing to give Pavlik the benefit of the doubt that he was weight drained in the Martinez fight. After 8 rounds the fight was basically even and Pavlik was in control. Between the cut and what looked like him hitting a wall stamina wise it isn't a stretch to think that the weight drain was an issue. Everyone is talking about the Pirog-Jacobs fight about how right before he KO'd Jacobs he switched back and forth from left to right and it confused/froze Jacobs which then allowed Pirog to land that punch. While that may have worked in the Jacobs fight, he is going to get caught in between switching by an experienced big puncher and get caught. On one hand I think this is either a brilliant move by Pirog's team to catch Pavlik when he is on the way down. On the other hand I think this may be a big step to take for a guy who is basically still a prospect. But, I guess when you are already 30 you need to move forward with your career quickly. Amazing to think that he is older than Pavlik by 2 years.
I agree! But I do somehow feel we'll see a rejuvinated Kelly which should make for a competitive and brutal fight. Pirog is a very crafty boxer being so young and has great overall skills. Not typical of a Eastern Euro fighter but he's got power and confidence that is serving him well. He still eats punches but his beard seems to be very solid. I think he's the real deal and he's only going to get better!
I think Pirog's head movement is going to give Pavlik problems. This is the end of the road for Kelly, if he can't beat this guy than his career is going to take a huge turn for the worse.
Pirog looked really good against Jantuah, but Jantuah spent an awful lot of time standing around doing nothing. Jacobs won 3 of the first 4 rounds, and then got knocked out because he backed up in a straight line with his hands down. When his back hit the ropes he threw a really lazy jab, and Pirog countered with a right hand. Pavlik doesn't stand around doing nothing, nor does he back up with his hands down, or flop out lazy jabs. This fight is all about the weight. Kelly has 4 months to get it right. If he gets the weight issue totally resolved, Pirog is in deep ****.
Whilst I agree Jacobs won 3 of the first 4 rounds, it was blatantly obvious that he was the one who was uncomfortable with how the fight was going. It was only a matter of time before Pirog caught up with him.
Ya -- it looked like one of those situations where one guy may be wnning the boxing match, but the other is winning the damn fight.
At a certain age the metabolism changes, but with the proper motivation, who knows? Remember, it takes quite a bit of discipline to get where he has gotten too. Unless you have had dealing with extraordinary people it is kind of hard to realize what they are capable of.
Personally I thought Pirog was unlucky not to score a knock down in the 2nd when Jacobs appeared to be held up only by the ropes.
That was an indication of things to come, but is he really heavy handy or is his timing spot on? Or perhaps a bit of both.
oh i'm not saying he can't. i'm just not sold on the fact that he can...yet. jsimps said that everything was fine in the martinez prep till they got down to 166-168ish and then they hit a brick wall. no more weight would come off. now, will starting from 178 as opposed to 190 mean the extra 6-8lbs will come off or is he just at a point in his career/life where he just can't get below that and be peak? he had a nutritionist helping take the weight off prior to martinez. i'll pull for kelly no matter what, obviously. but until i see that he can fight at his best at 160, i'm still of the opinion that the trinket belt he should go after is stieglitz's.
I'll second what Boo said. This is what makes this an interesting match up in my opinion. Lederman said it was a case of Pirog landing the harder shots all along. Against Pavlik he will find someone who can land hard himself and not have as many counter opportunities because Kelly won't be throwing punches to score points or to be defensive, that is just throwing punches to keep Pirog off of him.
Damn he didnt look that damn tired in the fight. People are acting like Pavlik was so weight drained he couldnt even hold up his arms. Martinez is just better. He has dimensions. Pavlik could not deal with that. Even after having a huge weight advantage.
martinez beat kelly fair and square. all i'm saying is i'm not sold that he needs to be trying to make 160 anymore.