Who said boxing was dead? It surely wasn’t me! Although this year’s mega-fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. may have not lived up to its lofty expectations in the ring, the simple fact that these superstars met at all seems to have energized their counterparts to risk their sparkling records by fighting one another. And for that, we are thankful.
There are several major fights on the horizon this Fall which I will chronicle in posts over the next few months. The first super fight of note pits Jermain Taylor against Kelly Pavlik for the unified middleweight championship of the world. My prediction may surprise you.
When Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik meet on September 29 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., look for Taylor to finally provide boxing fans with the performance they have been looking for since his somewhat surprising win against the venerable Bernard Hopkins several years ago. Although Kelly Pavlik is seen as a very live underdog and even a slight favorite in many circles, I feel that these folks are overrating his performance (albeit great) against the powerful, yet woefully-limited (skill-wise) Edison Miranda. Miranda will not remind anyone Marvin Hagler, but for some reason many are elevating Pavlik’s status off of this single, signature victory.
Jermain Taylor, on the other hand, is being treated like yesterday’s news after his unimpressive showings against two smaller men (Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks) in recent bouts. What’s being ignored is the fact that he has also already beaten (and drawn) with a "who’s who" list of all-time great fighters, in Bernard Hopkins (twice) and Winky Wright.
In my book, this world-class experience will be the deciding factor when these two talented young middleweights face off. Taylor will have some problems early, but will eventually figure out and stop the game Kelly Pavlik, who simply will make himself too available for Taylor’s punches.
TAYLOR W TKO 9 PAVLIK
I do respectfully disagree with your prediction. I agree with you that a lot of the fights coming up in the near future are because of Mayweather/De La Hoya, which despite the lack of action, was good for boxing in general. The fight between Pavlik and Taylor will have better action than the aforementioned bout but not toe-to-toe Hagler/Hearns type action; I say this because Pavlik fights more of an agressive style and Taylor is a counterpuncher, who seems even MORE of a counterpuncher against better opposition. Neither one has really had his chin tested but if Hopkins would’ve let his hands go, he would have knocked Taylor out, as he had him hurts a few different times. That is neither here nor there though because it did not happen.
I see Pavlik being very respectful, coming out patiently and gradually pressing the action over the first half of the fight. I think we may see some flurries at the end of the first few rounds with Taylor trying to steal them. As the fight progresses, I think Pavlik will be able to use his power to the body and take Taylor’s legs out. From there I think that Pavlik will win the later rounds and win the fight by decision, 116-112. You may remember that these two fought in the amateurs, with Taylor winning and nothing is a bigger motivator than fighting to get your pride back…
Very, VERY fair assessment Chris. I just don’t see Pavlik showing the skill and/or guile to pull of the scenario that you describe. You raise a good point about the amateur matchup(s), but that was a long time ago, not sure how that will affect this one (i.e. of Pavlik was the loser at that time). Thanks for the comment though and keep them coming…
Since winning the title Taylor has never shown the fire that he had on his way to the top. I think Pavlik is a hungrier fighter right now and that his length should give Taylor problems. We haven’t really seen Taylor look impressive in a while, but Pavlik has shown a lot of guts, power, and a good chin.
Pavlik wins by split decision
I respectfully disagree with your take Mr. Jenkins. I’l accept your razzing if I am wrong though. Spread the word and tell your friends to comment too – I have no problem backing up my pick.
Pavlik is a big body puncher,Taylor will have to stand and fight,pavlik K.O.7
Au contraire, I think Taylor will nullify those body punches and volume punching with a workmanlike jab keeping Pavlik at bay. Originally, I had thought that Pavlik had a significant height advantage prior to the fight. The weigh-in told a different story; they appear to be similar heights. Taylor’s reach and jab will be the key.
But where was that jab and reach advantage against little Cory Spinks,sorry but my moms could get a split decision with Cory.
Well, I guess your moms is quite a fighter because Spinks bested Ricardo Mayorga, Zab Judah and Roman Karmazin – all three solid fighters. =) Now, I will admit, Taylor looked AWFUL against Spinks, but Spinks can make Halle Barry look ugly with his fighting style. The difference here is that Taylor will reach AND touch Pavlik, who will not be on his bicycle like Spinks was. I’m no huge fan of Taylor, but I think Pavlik is “Taylor-made” for him
But those are little guys,Zab fades,Mayorga is a light Butterbean.I think you are in for a big surprise,kinda like Edison.Watch that fight again and pay attention to his face,Pavlik made him quit.I didnt think anyone could do that to him.That is the fight that made me think Pavlik will take Taylor down and be champ for a long time.Thanks for the banter.Gwar
Gwar, fight time starts in a few hours…I look forward to see who’s right. Thanks for the notes and tell your fellow boxing fanatics to chime in.
Ja, your boy got crumpled up like a snot rag. Manny Steward seems to have a thing for taking above average but not quite great talent and trying to will them over the top. I’m thinking of that left handed heavyweight he had several years back. But no matter how much skill there is, when someone show heart like Pavlik did you have to be able to dig down deep and tough it out. Taylor tried to dig deep but the well was dry.
“I am the Ghost, float with me”
-Styles P.
HAHAHAHA, Emmanuel Steward – give him credit though, he’s not like Phil Jax. He at least takes unfinished products that need refining, not finished products that simply need a sponsor. lol
The left-hander you forget is Michael Moorer.