youve gotta hand it to pavlik

[Youngblood]

err.. Haye and Margarito gunshy? Think you're looking for a different word mate.

The theory about Pavlik's weight is a bit off too.

One of the MANY excuses given for his defeat was being too small at 170. He weighed only 171 on the night which is what he normally weighs for middleweight bouts.

Excuses given by his fans I assume because in interviews Pavlik is quick to tip his hat to Bhop and doesn't make any excuses. Actually, he appears to be one of the more respectful top-level boxers out there.

His trainer, Jack Loew, said he was unhealthy with a bad arm, bronchitis (or something like that) and should never have fought that night

And I believe him. The transcrpts from his dressing room and prefight all suggest it. He still would have gotten wupped by Bhop...that was a masterful performance in exploiting a straight line fighter. Pavlik was swinging at a fighter that wasn't there in front of him, while getting hit from all sides like he was surrounded.

I still feel he was under the weather tho, and could have done better. Hope to see it next time out...and hope he has worked on his lateral movement.