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by CompuBox - The explosive first encounter between Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor for Taylor’s WBC middleweight title was one of 2007’s best. It was a bout that not only thrilled fans but also provided a severe test of both fighters’ mettle, and it was "The Ghost" who emerged with a seventh round TKO victory. The man who entered the first match as an 8-to-5 underdog is now an 8-5 favorite to repeat his feat when they meet on February 16 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, this time at a catch-weight of 166 pounds.
Though Pavlik’s title is not at risk, the stakes for each man are as high as they can be. For the 25-year-old Pavlik (32-0, 29 KO), a second victory over Taylor would solidify his status as one of the sport’s most dynamic and marketable new figures in a sport hungering for a youthful crossover star. For the 29-year-old Taylor (27-1-1, 17 KO), a win would mean redemption as well as a springboard toward big money fights against the best at 168 and perhaps 175.
Losses for either man could mean a significant backward step in terms of public perception and availability of big-money contests. In short, this is an all-or-nothing proposition for both combatants, which is fitting considering the uncompromising way they fought one another last September 29 in Atlantic City. [details]
Though Pavlik’s title is not at risk, the stakes for each man are as high as they can be. For the 25-year-old Pavlik (32-0, 29 KO), a second victory over Taylor would solidify his status as one of the sport’s most dynamic and marketable new figures in a sport hungering for a youthful crossover star. For the 29-year-old Taylor (27-1-1, 17 KO), a win would mean redemption as well as a springboard toward big money fights against the best at 168 and perhaps 175.
Losses for either man could mean a significant backward step in terms of public perception and availability of big-money contests. In short, this is an all-or-nothing proposition for both combatants, which is fitting considering the uncompromising way they fought one another last September 29 in Atlantic City. [details]
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