There's irony in the air!!

Just surprising that Sergio would even say he will KO Pavlik. History not being on their side and all....

 

I think they're both just putting up a front to give the opposition and the fans something to think about. They may even try putting on a new appearance for a round and a half, just to try and give the other side a look that they weren't expecting.

Ultimately, Kelly's going to jab and combo, try and cut off the ring and be assertive, and Sergio's going to do his particular brand of rubber-torsoed dodging and try and catch Kelly on the counter.

Can't see Sergio knocking Kelly out, though; not unless he catches him spark clean and unexpectedly with high power, which I think is unlikely. If Martinez wants to win, he's almost certainly going to have to do it the long way.

 

That's not ironic.

 

kelly couldnt handle bernard. that's different than saying kelly can't handle what sergio does which is quick and flashy but also very sloppy at times. bernard throwing a lead left is a lot different than sergio lunging in w/ his left w/ his face exposed which he has done his whole career.

"just take one step and smack him!!" - harold lederman. when harold is laughing at you in the ring b/c that's all you have to do to hit sergio then we are a ways off from anything bernard was doing.

 

Good post.

 

Maybe in the back of his mind he's going 'Last big pay day after years of obscurity. Hype this **** up BIG.'

 

Hasn't exactly sent shock waves through the boxing world.....

 

Pavlik when he got that jab pumping still managed to win a close fight with Taylor in the rematch even tho Taylor was landing the cleaner, faster, harder punches. I don't know if Martinez has that kind of power a prime Taylor had because Pavlik's gone in with some hellacious punchers and going for the ko would not be the wisest thing for Sergio to do.

I do think Martinez has the defense and timing to keep Pavlik humble and win a decision, because I still think Pavlik's the stronger man and he's going to keep on coming. So if Martinez is desperately going for the ko, tires himself out, he might be the one getting stopped. I hope he fights a smart fight because Pavlik will not be so forgiving.

 

Hopefully Martinez wins. Boxing needs the middleweight division to improve marginally but Pavlik is bringing absolutely no excitement any more. He's turned from a hard working, honest, knockout artist to a guy who seems content with fighting easy opponents whilst running his mouth.

That said, I think the only reason they've chose Martinez is because of weight. I think they believe they can simply overpower him, but Martinez' legs should keep him out of danger. Maybe Pavlik's size will be too much - I don't consider Williams a middleweight and we know Martinez has said, like Williams, he could make 147lbs.

A big part of me is looking at the difference in fluidity and style. The other part of me is looking at size and Pavlik's dominance. Hard to pick, but I think we need a new, more deserving king of the middleweights.

 

I really like the idea of a potential future Pavlik/Bute matchup at 168, but I'd rather see Pavlik/Williams (if only so we can stop arguing and I can finally be friends with you Pavlik fans, win or lose).

If Sergio wins I'd like to see Williams/Martinez II with the winner of that fighting the winner of Pavlik/Bute at 160. Can Bute make 160? Can Williams or Martinez make 168? Who knows.

It's an exciting division when you consider that most people from 154-168 have a relative degree of weight mobility.

 

Poor guy hasn't had much practice at it. Somebody get this man James Toney's number!

 

Hyperbole, yes, but there are no lies in there.