Pavlik bucks Bronco!

http://www.ufcfightnews.com/pavlik.htm

Ringside by Alex Dombroff, Patrick Kelley, Peter Heintzelman
Photos by Emily Harney

Kelly Pavlik kept his undefeated record intact with a sixth-round stoppage over former world champion Bronco McKart. It was a fight that likely jump-started a run at a title for Pavlik, and ended a long run as a contender for the aging McKart.

The fight marked the debut of the new Fight Night series on the Outdoor Life Network.

It was not smooth sailing for the 24-year-old Pavlik (28-0-0, 25 KOs) who found himself at the brunt of a strong surge by McKart in rounds two, three, and four. McKart (48-7-1, 31 KOs) knocked out Pavlik’s mouthpiece during a flurry in the third, and then scored a flash knockdown, catching Pavlik off balance in the fourth.

Although effective, McKart’s aggressive style was one not common of him in his championship days, and one that caught Pavlik off guard in the early going.

“I think I ruined his whole game-plan,” said Pavlik. “When he felt my power in the first round, I threw him off his plan.”

Towards the end of round five, McKart’s attack began to wither, and Pavlik took over.

“I figured eventually you’re going to get tired and not me,” said Pavlik. “And that’s what happened.”

Said McKart, “I thought I was getting the best of him, but his shots started to build up.”

In round six, a left hook by Pavlik sent McKart reeling, and a follow up flurry dropped the former 154-pound champion.

Pavlik was relentless after McKart arose, and dropped him again moments later, this time prompting a stoppage by referee Ricky Gonzalez. Time was 2:45.

With the win, Pavlik lined himself up for a potential world-title opportunity.

“It’s out of my hands,” said Pavlik of big fights in his future. “I think it’s getting to the point where doors have to be opened.”

McKart, however, best known for his trilogy with current middleweight star Winky Wright, may now be out of options for big fights, going 3-4 in his last seven contests.

On the prospect of still having more big fights on his horizon, McKart said, “I think I do. I showed I still have a lot." -- Alex Dombroff