Two very tough men who takes this at Middleweight? I lean towards Collins because he's Irish so I'm biased.
Collins beats him over 12, Steve could be raw in the ring but he throws himself at Pavlik and gets a decision.
This is a good matchup, but I like Collins here. For one, Collins was physically stronger than Pavlik, and that alone would throw Kelly off. Plus, his awkward style figures to throw off a conventional, one-two puncher like Pavlik. And of course, Collins had the chin to handle Kelly's power. I can't see a stoppage either way, both were very tough... but I see Collins scoring more and doing more damage, especially down the stretch. Collins by decision.
I respect Collins but who did he ever over power? What boxer did he KO with one shot? His two biggest wins- Eubank and Benn who BOTH were past it. And if Eubank hurt him Kelly will knock him out.
Pavlik has some of the slowest hands I've seen at that weight class. Not a very high ring IQ IMO either.
Yes he was. Collins was considerably physically stronger than Pavlik. He didn't hit as hard, but he was stronger.