First off, let’s give props to both men for giving us another entertaining fight this weekend. Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs) versus Jermain Taylor (27-2-1, 17 KOs) ended with Pavlik’s arm being raised, as I expected. However, very few people believed that the fight would end with Pavlik winning via a tactical decision. I assumed that the switch from respected trainer Emmanuel Steward to longtime confidant Ozell Nelson, the move up to the 166 pound catch-weight limit, and the rematch taking place too soon would be a recipe for disaster for Taylor in this fight. Although he lost a close, unanimous decision to the formidable Pavlik, the factors above led to redemption rather than disaster.
The fight itself was not the "knock-down, drag-out" affair that Taylor-Pavlik I was, but it was exciting on its own. Like the first fight, Taylor was leading entering the middle rounds. This time around, his lead appeared to be even more firm than before. He was not taking the same kind of punishment he took in the "original," was not falling into the ropes, and appeared to be pacing himself properly. Undaunted, Pavlik kept pressing forward with effective aggression and continued to let his hands go despite Taylor’s new-found discipline in the ring.
In the aftermath of Pavlik versus Taylor II, it is safe to say that the middleweight divisions are indeed in good hands.
Ultimately, Pavlik’s relentlessness would pay dividends, as he swept the final few rounds on my unofficial scorecard – securing a unanimous decision victory. Kelly the Ghost Pavlik showed that he is going to be a tough man to beat by anyone in the 160-168 range. This even includes super middleweight king Joe Calzaghe. The sky is the limit for the best middleweight in the world. There is talk of him taking on Felix Trinidad in June. Normally, I’d trash a prime, young lion like Pavlik for fighting a past-prime veteran like Trinidad, but after wins over Miranda and Taylor (twice), he’s earned the right to a "high-on-cash, lower-on-risk" fight.
Even in defeat, Jermain Bad Intentions Taylor showed the heart of a champion. More importantly, he showed that you could teach an old dog (he’s not that old but you know what I mean!) new tricks. He showed unusually slick counter-punching skills and an improved defense. He almost displayed enough improvement to win him his middleweight title back. Though Pavlik was ultimately too much, Taylor will not relegated to ESPN fights anytime soon. Personally, I’d love to see him fight Edison Miranda at 160 pounds on HBO.
In the aftermath of Pavlik versus Taylor II, it is safe to say that the middleweight divisions are indeed in good hands.
Oh man! Trinidad vs Pavlik…sounds interesting, but Pavlik should have no trouble against Trinidad, he is old and past his prime but you never know right?
Yes, that should be a nice payday and “resume builder” for Pavlik. I expect him to win, and win by knockout. I guess Tito’s folks feel he has a puncher’s chance (especially since Pavlik appeared to be ultra-vulnerable to the left hook in the second Taylor fight). Nonetheless, I just think Tito is too old, too small, and too well past his prime to challenge Kelly Pavlik. Honestly, the only men that I think can beat Pavlik are at 168-175; and I limit that to Joe Calzaghe and perhaps Chad Dawson (no relation 🙂 .