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This is the first of a series I intend to launch in the trainer section and is applicable to trainers mostly.
Adopt the role of a head coach in a camp preparing to fight the champ (in this case Kelly Pavlik.) You need to come up with your own strategy in order to beat him. Outline your blue print, some adjustments you would prepare for use during the fights course and the special details you would include in the plan to negate Kelly's own unique attributes.
Not a bad thread at all.
Whilst I am no trainer by any stretch of the imagination, for me Jermaine Taylor showed the blueprint to beat Pavlik in the second fight.
I had Pavlik ahead at the end of the fight but if Taylor could fight 3 minutes a round he would have won comfortably.
I hoped for Pavlik v Calzaghe fight, but after the Taylor rematch I would be amazed if Pavliks team took the Calzaghe fight (providing he beats Hopkins of course)
For me, I would advise a nice hands up defence, but with a degree of muscle behind it so the fighter is not blown away, I think the counter to Kelly's one-two could score many points.
At some stage Kelly would adjust and throw the hook more frequently to attempt ot get around the high guard or break it down from the side. I would train the fighter to block the one two with the guard and roll beneath the hook, arising with his won hook and straight right.
I would advise bodywork to be invested in early. although it did not expend any of Kelly's energy in the Taylor fight it subsided his attack temproarily, so i would advise body punching for the first six.
Movement is also the ley, I would have the fighter train for short times in southpaw stance, in order to turn sharply away from the right hand when against the ropes or in the corner.
#1 Kelly is a bully so try and pop him with a huge shot in the first round
#2 Be quicker side to side and make him stalk you down
#3 Counter quickly and sharply, frustrate him.
#4 Don't get cute or cocky...stay on task and focused
I think Winky Wright would have had a perfect style to beat Kelly, B-Hop, and RJJ would have also faired well.