Re: Did Pavlik want to give it up?
Pavlik was very gracious after the fight and freely admitted he had been taken apart by the better man. He showed real class and may have won over some fans in losing. The thing is, however, that I believe I heard him say something between rounds that implied he was thinking of quiting. I hope not because if quit is in his DNA, he is in for some bad times. I don't see a rematch here--I see him moving up to Supermiddleweight where he has a decent shot of beating a few out there like Abraham and The Dane based on styles making fights, but he had better stay away from the likes of Ward, Dirrell, and especially Bute. He now needs to make serious decisons about his future. One more loss, and he is in dire straits career-wise. First thing I would do is get rid of my cut man. Second thing I'd do is work on my stance and ability to counter punch. Bottomline: Kelly Pavlik is no longer the next big thing in boxing. He still could be, but after Lockett, Old man Hopkins, Rubio, the terribly mismatched Espino, and now this loss to a super fighter whose uinusual style was no big secret coming in, Pavlik is badly in need of life support. That is all.
“If you want loyalty, buy a dog.” Ricky Hatton
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