I am a Pavlik fan, and on rewatching the fight I had Taylor up on the cards 58-55 with Pavlik winning 1 and 3. 6 was almost too close to call but I gave it to Taylor.
He fought a good fight but eventually Pavlik's straight hard punches got to him.
I think it's some bull**** that some people think Pavlik was greatly out skilled or that Taylor gave away the fight. Pavlik showed great determination and discipline in the fight. Most fighters know the fundamentals and know they should stick to them, but when they get in there, especially with a world class opponent fail to do so. Kelly used the one two with perfection and did a good job doubling up on his jab. That is skill, pure and simple. It might not be slickness, but it is skill. And Taylor did all he could to put Pavlik away in round 2. He hit him flush a ton of times and most fighters would have been out. Taylor looked better in that round than he has in several fights, but Pavlik is tough and survived. Give credit where credit is due.
He fought a good fight but eventually Pavlik's straight hard punches got to him.
I think it's some bull**** that some people think Pavlik was greatly out skilled or that Taylor gave away the fight. Pavlik showed great determination and discipline in the fight. Most fighters know the fundamentals and know they should stick to them, but when they get in there, especially with a world class opponent fail to do so. Kelly used the one two with perfection and did a good job doubling up on his jab. That is skill, pure and simple. It might not be slickness, but it is skill. And Taylor did all he could to put Pavlik away in round 2. He hit him flush a ton of times and most fighters would have been out. Taylor looked better in that round than he has in several fights, but Pavlik is tough and survived. Give credit where credit is due.
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