Kelly Pavlik - Have I missed something?

[C'MONMANG']

1989 was a long time ago. It has been years since a natural heavyweight was even in the p4p ratings.

It is perfectly reasonable that when you beat the man, you become the man. I don't care if you had one pro fight...if you beat Bernard Hopkins in your 2nd fight, then you should be a top ten p4p fighter.
Pavlik coming from 'obscurity' is a questionable argument. p4p status should not be based on how well you are known...if that was the case, DLH would never number one every year.

Like I said, this is a fair system, because if Pavlik really doesn't 'deserve' the spot, then he will lose shortly.

this is why P4P rankings are nothing more then OPINION.

[MickyHatton]

Wait, wait, wait... Kessler deserves to be ahead of Pavlik? Since when does a guy who just lost an 8-4 decision deserve to be ahead of a unified, lineal champion?

Perhaps becuase he defended his titles.

Pavlik KO'd his opponent during a fight he was losing, until he defends his title he is no better than a Rahman or Douglas is he?

[Super_Lightweight]

He WAS losing. It doesn't matter. He won. Period.

Kessler lost. Kessler may have more 'skills' than pavlik, but he just lost. If he beats Pavlik, then you can give it to him. Or, if he beats someone else big around that weight like Dawson, Hops, Winky, or whoever.

[Likely_Lad]

By the way this is not about having a pop at Pavlik because I like him, whats there not to like? but.....

The guy is a good fighter with excellent power but nothing I have seen suggests that there is anything more, I mean he has a very upright type style, doesn't have great hand or foot speed IMO and his defence is not the greatest I have ever seen.

Therefore why all the hype? Some of posts I have read have suggested that he is now a P4P top ten fighter, why? because he beat the man who beat man (an ageing version that is). Surely there are far better proven fighters who just don't currently hold a belt?

There has to be more than that, please put me straight because I must be missing something?

Micky,

I was thinking this myself, Pavlik looks a decent fighter but hes just starting out. OK if he went on to defend the titles a few times then OK he should be considered, but so far all he has shown is heart and punch power.
Lets see if he can even get past Taylor in the rematch.

[Tobi.G]

Kessler was a tested Champion, whats makes Pavlik any better than him???

Seriously?

I think both are on the same level.

[ElGranLuchador]

pavlik is a warrior and a great fighter but i dont think he belongs in the p4p list he needs to make a couple defences first

[ßringer]

Pavlik is a fighter who delivers, that's why he's rated so highly. His KO/TKO percentage is off the charts, he shows up to fight, he's not one to duck somebody or run away from a challenge, he's the Middleweight Champion, and he's likeable. That's why we all love him so much, he's great for the sport.

I'm probably one of Pavlik's biggest supporters but here are his negatives.

His defense is shaky at best, his height and frame (tall and lanky) are sure to be a negative at some point, his speed isn't that great either.

But when you factor in his work rate (he punches nonstop) and his almost granite chin, and the fact that he's never been one to disappoint that's why you see him being ranked so highly.

In conclusion :

In an era where most fighters are concerned with either public image or huge paydays, it's extremely refreshing to see a young, strong fighter who isn't afraid to fight the big fights or the fighters most people want nothing to do with. (Miranda may as well have been the plague when Pavlik wanted to fight him)

[C'MONMANG']

Pavlik is a fighter who delivers, that's why he's rated so highly. His KO/TKO percentage is off the charts, he shows up to fight, he's not one to duck somebody or run away from a challenge, he's the Middleweight Champion, and he's likeable. That's why we all love him so much, he's great for the sport.

I'm probably one of Pavlik's biggest supporters but here are his negatives.

His defense is shaky at best, his height and frame (tall and lanky) are sure to be a negative at some point, his speed isn't that great either.

But when you factor in his work rate (he punches nonstop) and his almost granite chin, and the fact that he's never been one to disappoint that's why you see him being ranked so highly.

In conclusion :

In an era where most fighters are concerned with either public image or huge paydays, it's extremely refreshing to see a young, strong fighter who isn't afraid to fight the big fights or the fighters most people want nothing to do with. (Miranda may as well have been the plague when Pavlik wanted to fight him)

ummmmmm. I really don't get that one

[Ranger2408]

ummmmmm. I really don't get that one

A guy who can get inside can offset that.
Plus the fact that Pavlik needs distance to fire off his one two is another factor.
A guy who can fight well inside is going to beat him senseless.
He needs to be smothered to be beaten.

A great counter puncher/boxer could beat him well too.

Taylor failed to move his head or parry that right.

Take note of Hopkins V Tito, exactly how to beat Pavlik.
After the fight hopkins said
"when a guy has a gun you get in close to smother him so he cant get a shot off"
Exactly what hopkins did to tito and what should be done with Pavlik.
Walk him down with lateral movement and push him around the ring pounding the body, using the overhand left and uppercut.

Easier said than done of course but it can be done.

[ßringer]

ummmmmm. I really don't get that one

A guy who can take a punch can get inside of Kelly and taller guys are generally more likely to go down off of a stunning punch than smaller guys.