Pavlik TKO Round 10
by MooheadSeptember 29, 2007 7:23 am
I know. 70% of the national guys are picking Taylor. He’s got a pedigree. He’s got big mouth Manny Steward. He’s fought bigger names.
The New York press conference told me something. When a fighter AND his trainer try to provoke an opponent, they feel their work is unfinished. They feel the need to superimpose emotion into the fight. They picked the wrong guy.
Taylor and his overrated trainer Emanuel Steward (yup, the same guy who never figured out how to train the lower half of Tommy Hearns’ body…the same guy who actually quit on one of his fighters in the corner in the middle of a fight) wanted to infuriate Kelly so he’ll come out mad like a bull rusher. A rushing bull is easier to side step and counter. A rushing fighter can be caught coming in.
Unfortunately for Taylor, Pavlik walked away non plussed. The only guy who seemed to be pissed off was Jack Lowe, Kelly’s trainer, who has been a huge constant in Pavlik’s corner. Lowe may have been pissed about the presser, but his training regimen is always endurance based, and assumes long, tough fights. Pavlik will not punch himself out.
Taylor has 3 round power, and 10 round endurance. Pavlik has a strong chin and a churning accumulating style. Pavlik will not knock you out with one shot. He’ll get you round after round. Cumulative power. And he carries his power late into fights.
Taylor is faster, but has shown endurance problems. Kelly’s ticket is to make Jermain work EARLY. Do NOT give up early rounds. Hit Taylor on his arms, body, anywhere it hurts. Cut the ring off, and pound him in the corners. Do not let him hold.
Once the fight goes past 5, Taylor wants a decision. Early work and letting his hands go, will give Pavlik an edge after 5. As Taylor’s body and legs fade, Pavlik must continue his assault along the ropes. By the 10th, Taylor will be unable to ward off the stronger man.
Taylor hopes for a dance, with a points decision. America is hoping for a good entertaining fight. Kelly’s hoping for a belt. And I’m hoping that Emanuel Steward is exposed as the overrated guy who made his fame on the shoulders of the undertrained Tommy Hearns.
