Here are a few thoughts on the Taylor/Pavlik rematch scheduled for 2/16/08. Taylor switching trainers right before the upcoming rematch with pavlik could be a good thing, but maybe not. Going into what is arguably the most important fight of his career with a new trainer just does not seem like a good plan. Pavlik will not clown on JT again, so there is no free shot for JT like we saw in round 2 last time. Without that Kelly never gets hurt. I have a gut feeling that JT will not come in with a new game plan. I fully expect him to come in and try to do the same thing he did last time only do it better. The problem with that is he would be trying to out work and out slug a guy who is incredibly good at throwing tons of punches, and knocking people out with them (5 of Kelly's last 6 opponents had never been KOed before.) So, here's the question: If Pavlik takes Jermain out in under 6 rounds, is there any point to him staying in the middleweight division? I don't think Abraham or Sturm could provide any real competiton to a guy who KO's Zuniga, Zertuche, Mckart, Miranda, and JT twice. Duddy and Mora get beat by murder in the first degree. Winky is ranked #2 on boxrec. He's rated above Taylor which I don't get, but oh well. Taylor beat Winky. Kelly Humiliates and destroys the 35 year old Wright. So, again, if Pav blows JT out, would there be any real reason for him to stay at 160? I mean what would you rather see; Pavlik beating up guys for easy money, or Pavlik fighting guys like Kessler, Froch, Mundine, et? Boo
For his own good i think Pavlik should stay at 160 aslong as he can comfortably make the weight, at least till he cleans out the division and has nothing left to do and can secure something of a legacy. Then he can venture up but I see him getting tarnished at supermiddle weight against someone like Kessler. The size and strength advantage Pavlik enjoys at middleweight would be almost negligible against most of the top SM guys, and without those advantages his boxing skills may not be enough to get him through.
Im not as confident that he will beat Taylor 2nd time round. Im also not that confident that he would beat a defensive genius like Winky. I dunno there seems to be a flight from the middleweight division writ large. BHop, winky etc. If Pavlik wants a MONEY fight I dare say he'll have to look beyond middleweight. Having said that there might be some logic in just riding his middleweight title for a few years beating whatever is about, a la BHop. A white boxing hero is what a lot of people want so im sure hell make a shitload of money.
Well first off, Taylor never beat Winky, that fight was officially a draw but most people had Winky winning it. You're joking if you think Pavlik can dominate Winky Wright. Totally different styles.
I am Team Pavlik hardcore for sure. I'm kind of torn on this one. I agree with what you're saying: If he blows Taylor out, there really isn't anybody in MW I think would even want to fight him that's worth mentioning. But if he does go up I hope he does it in steps like he has his whole career smartly and not just jump for the elite guys out of the gate, but if he does he has my whole support.
This content is protected This content is protected Just recieved this & wish I could go. Maybe you guys in the Ohio area could check it out. Plus, in the mercandise link, thers alot of new stuff. Nice sweat shirt ... Kelly and Team Pavlik thank you for your kind words and continued support! The New Champion has been warmly received by his Ohio brothers and sisters. Much appreciated greetings of congratulations have been sent from all over the world. As a registered member of www.teampavlik.com we invite you to this special event: On Monday November 19, 2007 there will be a celebration banquet for The New Champion entitled "Night of Champions". Ohio State Football Coach Jim Tressel is the featured speaker. Five of Youngstown's World Champions will be on hand including Kelly Pavlik, Ray Mancini, Harry Arroyo, Jeff Lampkin, and Greg Richardson. Top Rank Promotor Bob Arum and Manager Cameron Dunkin will also be there. A limited number of Tickets are available. Check www.teampavlik.com for details. Also, due to many requests, we are offering Additional Team Pavlik items. Hats, beanie caps, lady cap t-shirts, embroidered hoodies, and jersey t-shirts. See merchandise at This content is protected In the coming weeks we'll be adding more photos, videos, and features to the website along with a new intro page that will show Kelly in the context of former Middleweight Kings. Concerning the Re-Match: Nothing has been made official. We will send out an email when it is official. On behalf of the Universally recognized Middleweight Champion of the World and Team Pavlik, Thank you for your support!
I don't think Taylor is that overrated. I mean, people here rip him all the time. But the fact remains that he beat B Hop twice & drew with a very difficult Winky Wright. Your right that he can not adapt very well. That is one of Kellys strong points. His intelligence. Not to mention the extension he gets on his punches, which gives him crazy power. :!:
Taylor has faster hands and slightly better boxing skills. Will he take full advantage of this? I rather doubt it. Taylor's problem is psychological and that will override his physical advantages. I expect Pavlik to knock him out again.
And mock we shall :hey My bad on Winky. It was a draw, and I said Taylor beat him ... oops. A lot of people don't seem to realize how big Kelly real is. It's amazing he can make 160. At 6' 2" and a 1/2 he'll still be the bigger man most of the time at 168. Also I think that those who say Kessler would spank Pavlik are dead wrong. However, when Kelly does move up, I agree that he should fight a couple gatekeeper types before he goes after the big guns. As far as a Pavlik / Winky fight at 160 I do not think it would be even close. Wright doesn't have the size or power to make Kelly respect him, and as long as Kelly can move forward throwing 80-100 punches per round his opponent is in serious trouble because he will find a home for the right hand. Boo
