Connect with us

Articles of 2008

TSS Report Card: Kelly Pavlik

Published

on

What a difference a year makes.

In that time, Kelly Pavlik has gone from a relatively obscure, much-avoided prospect to the toast of the boxing world.  The undefeated middleweight champion already has fans and experts alike buzzing with the idea that he could be the next dominant middleweight, reigning over fellow 160-pounders the way Marvin Hagler and Bernard Hopkins did.

With the Pavlik bandwagon approaching its carrying capacity, the question should be raised as to whether such lofty projections are premature.  It should be remembered that Pavlik, (33-0, 29 KO), is still largely inexperienced against world-class competition.  While it remains pure speculation if Pavlik's reign will be stellar, or something less than that; so I thought it might prove helpful to assess where Pavlik stands at the moment to put into perspective his hopes for being an all-time great.

An examination of physical skills (power, speed, etc.) as well as intangible traits (heart, upside, etc.), just might prove helpful in determining whether Pavlik is an overrated upstart, or if we are watching a burgeoning great develop before our very eyes.

With that, Kelly Pavlik will be the recipient of the very first TSS Report Card.

Power

It seems appropriate to begin Pavlik's evaluation with his most prominent asset.  With a knockout percentage of 88% after thirty-three fights, Pavlik's numbers appear to speak for themselves.  When Pavlik fights, his punches land with a thudding concusiveness rarely seen.  His punches don't land with the quick snappiness some punchers possess.  Instead of landing like a cracking whip, Pavlik's punches are bludgeoning, sledgehammer shots.  As demonstrated in his title-winning effort against Jermain Taylor, Pavlik drives his shots over and through his opponents' guard like an eighteen-wheeler going through a brick wall.   

I think the kid can crack a little.

Power Grade:  A

Speed

At over 6'2”, Pavlik is a huge middleweight.  His big frame presents the picture of a light-heavyweight, which is why fights with the likes of Joe Calzaghe are well within the realm of possibility.

That imposing frame, however, doesn't do The Ghost any favors when it comes to the speed department.  Foot speed and movement has never been a go-to asset for Pavlik, who opts to shuffle forward and walk his man down rather than offer any impersonations of Apollo Creed.

Pavlik's hand speed would also fall into the category of pedestrian.  Against the much quicker Taylor, Pavlik was frequently beaten to the punch.  Even in moments against Edison Miranda, the Colombian banger was able to find openings between Pavlik's punches to land his own.  Pavlik isn't the type of guy who is going to stand back, counter, and potshot.  He knows he just doesn't have the quickness for that.  He gets the job done with steady, grinding, consistent pressure, even if his slower hands leave the occasional hole for an opponent to exploit.

Speed Grade:  B-

Chin

This is one of the categories where, to an extent, the jury is still out.  In his most recent fights, Pavlik's chin has proven to be pretty sturdy.  Against Jose Luis Zertuche, Pavlik ate some big shots early which bothered him, but was never in any real trouble.  Facing dangerous bomber Edison Miranda, Pavlik was buzzed early by a couple of heavy shots, but fared well (though some argue Miranda's struggles with weight diminished his usually potent power).

However, in his first meeting with Taylor, Pavlik's perilous brush with defeat in the second round aroused suspicions about the durability of his beard.  Taylor, who showed almost no pop in his previous five fights (two of which were against natural junior middleweights) was able to drop and nearly stop Pavlik.  He survived, but this incident still serves as ammunition for Pavlik's detractors that the youngster is far from invincible.

We'll give him the benefit of the doubt.  But make no mistake, there is some doubt here.

Chin Grade:  B+

Heart

If the aforementioned close call against Taylor exploited a flaw in Pavlik's chin, it also highlighted one of his strengths:  his heart.

Old boxing wisdom says that you never know what a fighter has inside until hardship forces them to do some soul searching.  When Pavlik fell face-first onto the canvas against Taylor, he was faced with two options:  get blown away, or bite down, hold on, and survive.

As harshly as fans and experts will criticize fighters for lacking heart, the fact is that most of us have no idea what it is like to be in a situation such as the one Pavlik experienced.  In reality, if faced with said situation, all of us critics would've been blown away.  Pavlik, though, chose the latter option.  He dusted himself off, got up, and refused to be conquered.  Five rounds later, Pavlik proved who the better man was.

The guy's got moxie.  You have to give him that.

Heart Grade:  A

Ring Intelligence

Pavlik's title reign is not too far removed from that of Bernard Hopkins, who was (and frankly still is) one of the most intelligent, cerebral fighters of this era.  So far in his career, Pavlik has yet to exhibit even a fraction of what Hopkins houses in his bag of tricks, but the 26-year old still has time to add to his arsenal.

Pavlik's ability to adapt showed itself in his last fight, the rematch with Jermain Taylor.  With Pavlik seeing the championship rounds for the first time in his career, many at ringside wondered how he would react to uncharted waters, as well as whether his impressive work rate would prove to be his undoing.

Rather than unraveling under the unfamiliar circumstances, Pavlik picked up the pace and worked in punishing blows to Taylor's midsection, a tactic Pavlik rarely used in previous fights.  In the midst of a telling moment in his career, Pavlik showed the maturity and intelligence to try something new when necessity dictated.  That's always a good sign, especially from a young champion.

Ring Intelligence Grade:  B+

Upside

Here's the ultimate intangible:  how much potential does Pavlik have for improvement?  Are his best days ahead, or has the golden age of Kelly Pavlik already begun?

Physically, it seems that Pavlik is probably reaching the farthest limits of his potential.  He's not likely to get much stronger or faster.  Should he choose to jump a weight division or two, it's not likely to provide him with any huge benefit or improvement.  From a purely physiological perspective, Pavlik is probably in his prime or fast approaching it.

How he can improve, though, is in learning through experience.  As mentioned earlier, Pavlik's experience against world-class opposition is limited, more or less, to Taylor and Miranda.  The privilege of being called champion, as well as the caliber of opponents that title will bring could very well give Pavlik the seasoning it takes to be a dominant champion.   

Upside Grade:  B+

It seems apparent that the pride of Youngstown is still something of a work in progress.  It remains to be seen if Pavlik's career will be immortalized in Canestota or just on YouTube.  Should his upcoming title defense against unheralded Gary Lockett end the way most experts anticipate it will, the question of Pavlik's destiny will still be up in the air.

As is usually the case in boxing, time will tell.

Share The Sweet Science experience!
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Avila-Perspective-Chap-330-Matchroom-in-New-York-plus-the-latest-on-Canelo-Crawford
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Results-and-Recaps-from-New-York-Where-Taylor-edged-Serrano-Once-Again
Featured Articles16 hours ago

Results and Recaps from New York Where Taylor Edged Serrano Once Again

Catching-Up-with-Clay-Moyle-Who-Talks-About-His-Massive-Collection-of-Boxing-Books
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books

From-a-Sympathetic-Figure-to-a-Pariah-The Travails-of-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr
Featured Articles5 days ago

From a Sympathetic Figure to a Pariah: The Travails of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Catterall-vs-Eubank-Ends-Prematurely-Catterall-Wins-a-Technical-Decision
Featured Articles7 days ago

Catterall vs Eubank Ends Prematurely; Catterall Wins a Technical Decision

Richardson-Hitchins-Batters-and-Stops-George-Kambosos-at-Madison-Square-Garden
Featured Articles4 weeks ago

Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden 

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

A-Fight-Fan-and-Teremoana-Samson-Junior-Leon-Teremoana
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

A Fight Fan and Teremoana Samson Junior Leon Teremoana

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Paro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

A-Boxing-Card-in-Alabama-Goes-Pfft-A-True-Tale-from-the-Underbelly-of-the-Sweet-Science
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Boxing Card in Alabama Goes Pfft: A True Tale from the Underbelly of The Sweet Science

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Avila-Perspective-Chap-333-Jake-Paul-JC-Chavez-Jr-Zurdo-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 333: Jake Paul, JC Chavez Jr, Zurdo and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

When-Boxing-Was-Big-on-the-Fourth-of-July-A-TSS-Classic
Featured Articles1 week ago

When Boxing was Big on the Fourth of July: A TSS Classic

Avila-Perspecrive-Chap-334-Back-to-Back-Boxing-Cards-in-the-Big-Apple
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 334: Back-to-Back Boxing Cards in the Big Apple

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Results-and-Recaps-from-New-York-Where-Taylor-edged-Serrano-Once-Again
Featured Articles16 hours ago

Results and Recaps from New York Where Taylor Edged Serrano Once Again

Philadelphia-Welterweight-Gil-Turner-a-Phenom-Now-Rests-in-an-Unmarked-Grave
Featured Articles1 day ago

Philadelphia Welterweight Gil Turner, a Phenom, Now Rests in an Unmarked Grave

Avila-Perspecrive-Chap-334-Back-to-Back-Boxing-Cards-in-the-Big-Apple
Featured Articles2 days ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 334: Back-to-Back Boxing Cards in the Big Apple

From-a-Sympathetic-Figure-to-a-Pariah-The Travails-of-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr
Featured Articles5 days ago

From a Sympathetic Figure to a Pariah: The Travails of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr

Catterall-vs-Eubank-Ends-Prematurely-Catterall-Wins-a-Technical-Decision
Featured Articles7 days ago

Catterall vs Eubank Ends Prematurely; Catterall Wins a Technical Decision

Avila-Perspective-Chap-333-Jake-Paul-JC-Chavez-Jr-Zurdo-and-More
Featured Articles1 week ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 333: Jake Paul, JC Chavez Jr, Zurdo and More

When-Boxing-Was-Big-on-the-Fourth-of-July-A-TSS-Classic
Featured Articles1 week ago

When Boxing was Big on the Fourth of July: A TSS Classic

A-Boxing-Card-in-Alabama-Goes-Pfft-A-True-Tale-from-the-Underbelly-of-the-Sweet-Science
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Boxing Card in Alabama Goes Pfft: A True Tale from the Underbelly of The Sweet Science

Mexico's-Francisco-Rodriguez-Jr-is-the-TSS-Fighter-of-the-Month-for-June
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Mexico’s Francisco Rodriguez Jr is the TSS Fighter of the Month for June

Jake-Paul-Outpoints-Julio-Cesar-Chavez-Jr-plus-Other-Results-from-Anaheim
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Jake Paul Outpoints Julio Cesar Chavez Jr plus Other Results from Anaheim

Holly-Holm-Joshua-Edwards-and-Rene-Alvarado-Sparkle-on-the-Paul-Chavez-Undercard
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Holly Holm, Joshua Edwards, and Rene Alvarado Sparkle on the Paul-Chavez Undercard

Mbilli-Blasts-Out-Sulecki-in-Quebec-Wilder-TKOs-Herndon-in-Wichita
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Mbilli Blasts Out Sulecki in Quebec; Wilder TKOs Herndon in Wichita

Avila-Perspective-Chap-332-Jake-Paul-vs-Chavez-Jr-plus-Mbilli-Deontay-and-More
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 332: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr., plus Mbilli, Deontay and More

A-Closer-Look-at-Mario-Barrios-Poised-to-Wreck-the-Comeback-of-a-Legend
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

A Closer Look at Mario Barrios, Poised to Wreck the Comeback of a Legend

Paro
Featured Articles2 weeks ago

Liam Paro Returns with a Flourish on Wednesday’s ‘No Limit’ Card in Queensland

More-Medals-for-Hawaii's-Patricio-Family-at-USA-Boxing's-Summer-Festival
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival

Callum-Walsh-Umar-Dzambekov-and-Cain-Sandoval-Remain-Unbeaten-at-Santa-Ynez
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Callum Walsh, Umar Dzambekov and Cain Sandoval Remain Unbeaten at Santa Ynez

Vito-Mielnicki-Whitewashes-Kamil-Gardzielik-Before-the-Home-Folks-in-Newark
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark

Avila-Perspective-Chap-331-Callum-Walsh-Brian-Norman-Galal-Yafai-and-More
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Avila Perspective, Chap. 331: Callum Walsh, Brian Norman, Galal Yafai and More

Brian-Norman-Jr-Bombs-Out-Jin-Sasaki-with-a-Frightful-Left-Hook
Featured Articles3 weeks ago

Brian Norman Jr Bombs Out Jin Sasaki with a Frightful Left Hook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending