Kelly Pavlik's return

[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.

He never had head movement, nor did he move well. It's not as if he was suddenly going to become fleet of foot or acquire head movement because he moved up in weight. If you expected those things, you were leading yourself up to disappointment. His qualities have always been his punching power and his aggression. I have yet to see his punching power translate at 168. It's not like he has no power at all, but not that thudding power he had at middleweight. He still has effective aggression. He has developed a left hook to compliment an arsenal that otherwise only included a jab and a straight right hand. I still say a fight with Froch would be fun. However, Froch's awkward angles would win him the fight. He might wear Bute's down, as much as I'm a fan of Bute. Kessler would be interesting. He needs to stay away from movers and boxers.

I'm not saying I expected him to get better, I'm saying he's worse. Add the higher weight class and he's nowhere near winning a belt at 168.

[Master]

I hope Pavlik does well in his career and am glad to see him back. On wards and upwards and here is hoping he takes on Froch. That would be a war.