I was one of those guys rooting for Pavlik's down fall on Saturday. His reign as MW champion was lackluster at best and seemed to drag on with no real highlights. I was rooting for Martinez for sure, and was happy he got the decision.
But what I couldn't help but appreciate was the class and dignity Pavlik showed in defeat. While he did mention the cut as a reason for the loss, he did not hang it all on that. He acknowledged that the cut was caused from a punch, acknowledged that Martinez fought a great fight, and acknowledged that Martinez took advantage and beat him in the championship rounds.
Comparing his post fight interview with that of Kessler (post Ward loss) and Abraham (post Dirrell loss), it's almost comical. These guys were coming up with anything to explain why they lost (headbutts, acting, blah blah). Whereas Pavlik gave an honest assessment of the fight, acknowledged his defeat, and congratulated the winner. That's what gentlemen do.
But what I couldn't help but appreciate was the class and dignity Pavlik showed in defeat. While he did mention the cut as a reason for the loss, he did not hang it all on that. He acknowledged that the cut was caused from a punch, acknowledged that Martinez fought a great fight, and acknowledged that Martinez took advantage and beat him in the championship rounds.
Comparing his post fight interview with that of Kessler (post Ward loss) and Abraham (post Dirrell loss), it's almost comical. These guys were coming up with anything to explain why they lost (headbutts, acting, blah blah). Whereas Pavlik gave an honest assessment of the fight, acknowledged his defeat, and congratulated the winner. That's what gentlemen do.
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