Good post TFFP however I think the Hopkins fight was a poor measuring stick. The same initial assessment was given to Cotto following his defeat
I think the manner of the defeats is different. Cotto had his success early on, he boxed nicely up to a point. It wasn't a matter of him getting outclassed, he was outmuscled and grinded down by a big guy he couldn't hurt. I don't think anybody else can take those punches from Cotto and keep coming forward to target his weak areas which is only stamina and being physically small at the weight. Pavlik was just schooled completely over 12 rounds. This raises serious doubts over his ability against other good boxers that can limit the effectiveness of his jab and right hand. Maybe not as emphatically as Hopkins, but looking into the future there are a hell of a lot of fights Pavlik looks like he could lose right now.
Kermit is a tremendous athlete...and walking proof that being a good athlete doesn't mean you're a good boxer.
No excuses for Kelly. He lost to B-Hop and the way B-Hop fought him on Sat, he would have lost to him no matter what. However, that was not the same Kelly Pavlik. He threw about 500 less punches than he normally throws. (I know the argument, B-Hop's style.) Regardless of whether or not he was able to hit B-Hop, Kelly would have still had a higher punch output. Again, no excuses. Lets see what happens when Kelly is 100%, not on penicillian, his bursitis is gone, and he's back at 160.
Clottey would win. When Cintron realises this guy is too big and solid to be KO'd easily he'll implode.