What is the best case that can be made for Pavlik as the best opponent for Calzaghe

Easy night and a pretty nice paycheck for Calzaghe. Thats about it

 

Maybe you can make a workrate argument. Pavlik throws more punches than any of the other guys. Also, IMO, he's a slightly harder puncher than Kessler, who could have hurt Joe if he had followed up better on some of the punches that rocked him. Not sure it helps him much though - he could probably split some early rounds, but the fact is that Pavlik still has never made it past the 10th round in a fight, and I imagine that Joe's superior conditioning would lead him to cruise to a points victory.

 

I don't know if Pavlik will ever be ready for Calzaghe, he need to fight some quality top 10 opponents at 168 before he thinks about Calzaghe or Kessler.

 

I just don't see what Pavlik brings to the table that Kessler doesn't. Kelly needs to polish off Taylor and hopefully Abraham before moving up.

 

Pavlik gets stopped early. Calzaghe is trickier, quicker, more accurate and hits harder than Taylor.

This leads me to believe that an early TKO is the most likely for Joe.

 

Pavlik is also a big legacy fight. Yet, the timing isnt just right:nono Hopkins makes sense next while Pavlik vs Taylor 2 takes place. Then this scenario would be the best option.

I appreciate Calzaghe, credit the man for his talent and believe that he could win this fight, BUT?? Perhaps the timing is right for Pavlik. Kelly isnt a small MW, he's built to move to 68 and perhaps 75 in time.

Pavlik has better power than Kessler with the right, has more skill than he gets credit for, and walks em down behind a suprisingly nice jab.

All that is future specualtion however. A rematch with Taylor which came dangerously close to going the other way is first.

 

Calzaghe has plenty of options out there but I think Pavlik is the best opponent for him because they both like to trade. Calzaghe has speed and craftiness against Pavliks power. The both bring an incredible workrate to the table. Calzaghe has never been in the ring with the workrate and power combination that Pavlik brings. Plus, at 168, I see pavlik being more fluid and getting his legs back. Watch his early fights and see how much more movement he has. This being said, I don't see the fight happening because Pavlik want to stay at middleweight and defend his titles and Joe wants to move up because he has cleaned out the SMW division. But money could change their minds. I see Calzaghe-Hopkins happening around the same time as the Taylor rematch and then possible a fight with Pavlik but I don't think it will happen as Pavlik will want to defend his belts and unify the titles. Oh, and I just heard the Pavlik had to get 100 stitches in his hand he put through a window when trying to fix it. Nothing serious but may delay the Feb. rematch.

 

The best case is that it would be a big money fight. Two white guys fighting for a title raises interest. I don't think Pavlik has the tools to handle Joe, though.

 

Me, either. I question how Pavlik will deal with movement and angles -- even the so-so boxing Taylor was ahead on all three cards -- and his defense is very leakly and vulnerable to fast hands.

Best of Pavlik to do his work at 160, then move up to 168 after Calzaghe has departed.

 

Lampley- I know what the judges had it scored, but do you believe Taylor was ahead? I sure don't. I had it 57-56 Pavlik.

 

I had it 3-3 in rounds, with Taylor obviously up a point with the KD.

I could go 4-2 in either direction and not have a problem.

 

I would agree and I am glad you didn't see like those judges. atsch :yikes

 

I don't have my scores in front of me, but I believe I had it:

Pavlik 10-9
Taylor 10-8
Pavlik 10-9
Pavlik 10-9
Taylor 10-9
Taylor 10-9