Kelly Pavlik's return

[BIG H]

Hey guys, how have you all been keeping?

Apologies for not getting on here much lately, but on a big fight weekend it's always nice to soak up some of the forum happenings.

I watched Kelly Pavlik's comeback fight, and I thought he was a little underwhelming to be honest. I don't think he's made the necessary adjustments to his style if he is going to get past better fighters, and I was impressed by Sigmon's toughness.

I wrote about the fight on my blog, have a read and let me know what you think - I just find it hard to see how Kelly can win a title when he comes up against some really tough 168 pounders.

Can Kelly Pavlik embrace change? | The View from the Outer

Also, here's another boxing post I wrote after watching the shocking ESPN 30 for 30 film Muhammad and Larry, which is a very depressing flick...

Muhammad and Larry – A Cautionary Tale | The View from the Outer

Who are you

[Rantcatrat]

I disagree actually @Greig

Pavlik looked strong and fresh. He was using a wider variety of punches than he had prior to working with Robert Garcia. His defense has improved. All in all, he looked pretty good, considering his recent personal problems and in his second fight with a new trainer.

Pavlik has to be matched well. He was a big, tall middleweight. He's not as big or tall at super middleweight. If he had trouble with guys who could move at middleweight, Sergio Martinez etc., he'll have even more trouble with guys like that at super middlweight. Of the top guys at 168, a fight with Carl Froch would be his best chance at victory. However, considering what Froch did to Bute, I wouldn't rate Pavlik's chances as very good. He loses to Andre Ward. Is Kessler a light heavyweight now? If not, that's a decent fight, but Kessler should win.

[Greig]

Very nice Big H, deserved that.

Rantcantrat. I didn't see too much variety in the arsenal to be honest with you - but I suppose defensively he did have a couple of nice sequences where he was moving his head a bit.

I haven't been following the sport as closely as I have in recent years, but if I were Pavlik I'd be seeking somebody out like a Dan Birmingham, someone who could really get him moving.

captainanddew - I know you say he's a plodder, but I don't think it's genetic or anything. If you watch the way he used to train with Loew he was lifting truck tyres and pounding stuff with a sledgehammer. I'm sure a few months of some rapid fire feet excercises would make a difference. It might now turn him into Pernell Whittaker, but it would definitely make him more effective IMO.

[BARNEYKX]

theres talk about brian magee v pavlic coming off any more word on it

[El Kabong]

I don't like Pavlik, never have. I hope Abraham beats his ass!

[Spicoli]

I thought he looked better. Fresher and tighter cleaner punching than his previous go. He does get touched alot though, almost comfortable with it in order to get his in, though Rosinsky couldn't break wind. His left to body was working well. His skin looks to be scuffing up more, cut. I've never been a fan but I'm glad he has his head glued on and seemingly clear. He sounds like he'll never be satisfied unless he recaptures former glory. Almost too eager to jump right in from the shallow to the deep end. Has to be expected I spose but he really only has one more shot and better allow the rebuild, of body and mind. Garcia and company can only add on to what'a already there really. Pavlik is a finished product and will eventually revert and get into a shoot out. I don't see him hanging with a Froch.

[Kirkland Laing]

I thought he looked terrible. He hasn't got the pop at 168 that he had at 160, he's slower around the ring than he used to be if that's possible and I've seen statues with better head movement. He'll get a payday or two as an opponent for guys like Froch/Ward/Kessler etc. at 168 because he's a recognised name in boxing but that's as far as he'll go. He's just going to get battered by any elite 168 guy.

[armin]

Always liked pavlik and was hoping he'd go back down to 160 , but I guess that isn't happening. He looked ok to me took punches, but he always has...he's only been dominated by bhop, and gave sergio a close fight up till cuts, no shame in either of those. Id like to see him stay active and have one or two more lesser fights before jumping in with the top, but he's talking ward and froch. ward probably eats him up due to styles I think, and well froch it would be a war while it lasted with froch most likely coming out on top. he could still get a title but don't think hell ever be the man again like was at middle

[beenKOed]

I have a lot of respect for ElKabong and his opinions, honestly, but if he thinks Taylor was less than ready for the first Taylor vs Pavlik fight, he wasn't fully awake. I remember Pavlik getting up off the floor and winning by KO. As for their second fight, arguing about a decision is like arguing with a two year old, you can't win. Pavlik was exciting to watch at first, maybe all those
tattoos have slowed him down some!