PAVLIK TAKES IT TO TAYLOR AGAIN!!
Posted on | February 20, 2008 | No Comments
ROUND BY ROUND REPORT BY: GEORGE PHILLIPS
Good first round, but throwing bombs. Taylor stunned slightly by a big right hand, but he fought back well, landing a big blow of his own. Pavlik throwing rights over the Taylor Jab, which he is using more. Pavlik’s round for bigger shots
Second round, jabbing contest first minute of the round, but looking to land the overhand right. Both are highly skilled fighters, easy to tell. Pavlik’s defense seems a bit better than first fight, actually keeping his hands higher, it’s obvious. Manny says JT looks more focused then in the first fight. Good Right by Taylor 45 seconds left in the round, Pav not hurt, but awake Pavlik coming forward, but JT’s round.
Pace is nowhere near first fight, but favoring Taylor. Taylor not wasting any punches, as in, he is landing a lot. This is a much more disciplined fight.
Round 3 to Taylor for some right hands
Round 4: Pace continues to slow, not boring, but technical and tactical. Kelly always throwing the jab, which seems to frustrate Taylor a bit. Pavlik throwing hooks off jabs this round, Taylor not looking awful, but not bad. As I say that Taylor lands a right hand and left hook to probably give him the round. Pavlik actually lands two rights at the end of the round…tough round to score…Pavlik for Jabs and end round work, Taylor good work though
Round 5: Right hand Pavlik, Taylor seems to be not slowing, but not working as much. Overhand Right by Taylor, announcers don’t even talk about it, crowd noticed it though. Pavlik throwing uppercuts and hooks to the body in now, gaining confidence. Taylor’s nose shows the first blood of the fight. When Taylor jabs he is landing, and working well off it, just not enough. Although, I think I pick him this round, left hook ends the round for Taylor.
Round 6: Pavlik landing the jab a lot in this round, nine jabs in a row unanswered by Taylor, but then comes back ripping him with a right hand. It’s Pavlik’s controlled pace vs. violent outburst by Taylor. Another close round. Sorry I can’t decide more one way. I say Pavlik, but by a hair.
Round 7: Taylor used the jab, then stops, frustrating for Taylor backers I would imagine. Looking through neutral glasses I feel this fight is dead even. It’s Pavlik’s aggression and Jabs vs. Taylors one or two good punches a round. It has the feel of a fight that’s going the distance, but what do I know. Pavlik’s round due to Taylor inactivity. Taylor tries to steal at the round, doesn’t work on my card.
Round 8: Taylor is only averaging around 35 punches a round to Pavlik’s 60 or more. First clinch of the fight in round eight. Pavlik doesn’t look great or anything, but Taylor seems to be tiring, once again looking for a clinch. What happens is Pavlik throws about 15 punches in a row and Taylor comes back with like a fast looking one two. As I say that Lampley mirror’s exactly what I wrote. Pavlik’s putting in the better work, no real other way to say it at this point. Taylor is still in it, and as we know, has a way to win close fights. Taylor right hand out of a clinch, Pavlik’s round in my opinion.
Round 9: Taylor threw 19 punches last round, but landed 11. Better round for Taylor, although his eyes are swelling, not too bad, but noticeable. Taylor has come out with some needed vigor. I have Pavlik up by two. I personally like activity, but this fight has weeks of argument written all over it. Sorry for my individual commentary. I liked Taylor that round for his activity.
Round 10: Good jab for Taylor, and a good right and left by Taylor. Taylor still looks sharp. Pavlik hasn’t really been hurt by it, but he’s scoring points for sure. Neither fighter has been really hurt; both have taken some good shots…Taylor’s round, evening up the fight on my card.
Round 11: Taylor surely looks stronger down the stretch. Pavlik, as noted by the commentators has appeared sloppy as of late. Tired maybe, but still coming forward. Right hand by Pavlik puts Taylor into the ropes near the end of the round. First time Taylor’s back has hit the ropes all night. Pavlik’s round.
Round 12: Taylor right hand followed by a one-two by Taylor. Two minutes left in the fight. Win, lose, or draw, Taylor’s stock should rise. He looks like a new fighter. Trainer, weight, whatever it is, he’s looked good. One minute left, fighters clinch, both are tired. Pavlik comes forward. Taylor lands some body shots. Taylor comes on hard down the stretch. Fighters hug in the middle of the ring. I don’t know who has it I give Pavlik the round and the fight 115-113. As noted, could go both ways.
Final scorecards
117-111
115-113
116-112
All to the winner, Kelly Pavlik