Originally Posted by
hitmandonny
In many ways, this fight for me was very similar to the 5th of May 2007. The hype was pretty big, and foillowing the first fight, a war was anticipated. However, what was presented to us was a chess match of sorts and a quite entertaining fight.
My first impression (as a Taylor fan) was that Taylor lost the fight, more than Pavlik won the fight. In the early going he made all the right moves, manipulated Pavlik's movements and regulated the pace of the fight well. However, he did not take the risk that was required to capitalise (perhaps due to the memory of Pavlik's power)
Jermaine made Kelly reach on a number of occasions, taking him out of his stance and diminishing his balance. Pavlik found it difficult to land and Jermaine countered well, but not enough. It is also my opinion, that Taylor hurt Pavlik at times with his bodywork. Pavlik threw less ain the rounds that Taylor weont to the body and I felt he was aware of Taylor's power down low.
As for Kelly, well, what a great chin, what a great work ethic! At times he was shown to be a little plain but he still put in a great effort and demonstrated great power and fitness. I like him a lot.
Both men acquited themselves well, I was dissappointed for Jermaine, but Kelly is not a guy who I'd begrudge a decision to. I'm going to chalk that down as one of my favourite fights, as although not the most exciting or the most compelling, it demonstrated 2 things
1)Physical ability will not make it easy without strategy (kelly)
2)A great strategy will not win for you If you don't physically committ. (Jermaine)
It's a fight any boxer/boxing fan can learn from.
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