Pavlik-Taylor II... The Grades Are In.

Pavlik-Taylor II sure wasn't as exciting as their first fight, but it still wasn't that bad of a scrap. MUCH props for Taylor fighting the way he did. His improved defense surprised many. His jab was sharp and his conditioning was better.

Pavlik looked flat. Pushed his punches and didn't really get into the fight until the 7th round. Hell, it was a great experience for him as this was the first time he went 12 rounds. He took all the championship rounds as a good champ should. He showed he could carry his power into the late rounds severely hurting Taylor to the body in the 11th round. He needs to be far sharper though in his next outing and whatever caused him to perform flat, he better make sure it doesn't happen again. Although he was off, he was consistent at what he could do round after round and that too was impressive.

Their grades are as follows.

Conditioning

Pavlik B+
Taylor B+

Pavlik just wasn't busy enough to really gauge his conditioning. His work ethic in camp is never doubted, I just wonder what means Loew used to condition him? He needs to be far busier in his next fight. The best of them have off nights though.

Taylor showed much improved conditioning. He was aggressive from the get go to the late rounds. He said he spent more time conditioning for this fight than he did in his last. That was no bullshit as he really kept Pavlik from doing what he completely wanted. Jermain's condition wasn't the problem in this fight. He was just in the ring with a better fighter that night.


Strength

Pavlik B-
Taylor A

Pavlik wasn't pushed around but he really didn't seem as strong as the first fight. Maybe it was adjusting to the heavier weight, who knows. When he decides to move up to 168 for good, he needs to improve his strength as he won't be pushing guys around at that weight.

Taylor was always a strong fighter. This is never an issue with him. He will have no problem with carrying his strength to 168 and even improving upon it. If he wants to win another world title at 168, it's time he brings in a qualified strength coach.

Power

Pavlik B-
Taylor B+

Pavlik never had Jermain badly hurt in this fight. Of course Taylors slipping and blocking Pavlik's heavy right hand had a lot to do with this. I get the notion that Pavlik's team didn't have him performing the right kind of power training to allow him to summon the power as he usually does. Something was wrong in this fight. Whether it was a preparation issue or a nutritional one, Pavlik just can't afford to have that happen again against world class opposition.

You could hear the thud of Taylor's power punches. That says it all. Pavlik's chin is just that good. Taylor showed he still has the power in that jab to shut any other fighter down. His right hand was really crisp that night too. If Roy Jones Jr. signs to fight Taylor, Taylor has the power to land Roy's ass on the canvass for the count of ten again.

Speed

Pavlik C
Taylor A

Pavlik's punches lacked snap and speed. He couldn't double up his jab on Jermain. His speed was nothing like it was in the first fight. He just looked so sluggish. He can't afford to have this happen against a heavy handed counter puncher if he wants to keep his title. Preparation MUST improve and not allow for let downs.

Taylor was sharp and fast. His jab was on. He was fast on defense picking off and slipping Kelly's punches. Big props to Ozell for having Taylor faster and just all around better in this fight. It looks like Taylor may fight Roy Jones in June. I think Taylors strong and fast jab gives Roy fits. Roy isn't going to like the taste of Taylor's right hand that's going to be served after those fast jabs. If Jermain can keep his speed and conditioning up, he certainly can rejuvenate his career at 168.

Although Kelly won and I had it scored 115-113. There was no loser in this fight. Look for both to make a lot of noise at 168 which will perhaps lead to Pavlik-Taylor III