Why do I still think that Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor will beat Kelly "the Ghost" Pavlik when they meet this evening at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall for the Ring middleweight title? My main reason has not changed – Taylor’s big fight experience will be the difference.
I must admit that I have had second and even third thoughts about my prediction made over a month ago. HBO’s excellent fight preview, the Countdown to Taylor-Pavlik, also made me wonder if Taylor and his handlers, namely Emmanuel Steward, are a bit nervous leading up to this middleweight showdown. I’m no shrink, but their uncharacteristically defensive tone in response to questions regarding Pavlik’s credibility as a fighter lead me to believe that they are trying to convince themselves that this is going to be an easy fight.
To make me question my prediction even further, many fellow fans are picking Pavlik to not only beat, but knockout Taylor! From the "East"" to the "Max"," fight fans are barking on boxing forums across the Web about Pavlik’s imminent victory.
Despite these doubts, I still think Jermain Taylor will emerge victorious. I am going to stick with my early prediction, despite the groundswell of support that Pavlik has garnered since my last post. Bernard Hopkins, Winky Wright, Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks are the names to remember when Jermain Taylor and Kelly Pavlik meet later this evening. The preparation that these "magnificent four" have provided Taylor will work wonders, as Taylor will apply the sweet science that he has learned to outfox, outbox, and ultimately, outslug Pavlik.
My prediction remains the same…TAYLOR W TKO 9 PAVLIK.
You have a good point, Taylor has faced far better opposition. Styles make fights, Taylor just doesn’t seem to have the same speed and intensity that he used to. Boxing is about imposing one’s will on your opponent. I just have a feeling like Pavlik is stronger right now.
Mr Jenkinz, I think this is all or nothing for Taylor, and may be his shining moment, especially because Pavlik’s style is seemingly made-to-order for him. He is not hard to hit and is susceptible to overhand rights. It should be a dandy, but I feel Taylor’s big fight experience will help him get through the rocky moments and prevail late.
taylor is a great middleweight but he has really been looking shabby!!! tired in the late round…weak jab…and relying on the knockout punch too much and he hasn’t knockout anyone in a long time, so i am starting to question his power as well. pavlik is polished and hungry!!! a deadly combination for any champion!!! talyor gets shocked and stopped in round 11!!!!
Wow, is right. Taylor got knocked the fugg out…in round seven. Great fight though.
Takin all beats that Taylor will beat Pavlik in the rematch. Taylors punching power is intense. Pavlik barely escaped that second round but will have trouble the next time around.
I don’t know about that Greg…Pavlik took all that Taylor had to offer (which was considerable), weather it, and knocked him senseless. Rarely to the victims in the first match win the rematch – we shall see.
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 meâ€
-Styles P.
Indeed, Pavlik tooketh what Taylor had (his punches in round 2), and taketh it (his belt) away as well.