Pavlik V Lockett

[Bard of Boxrec]

i hope he doesnt get too hurt in this fight, I like the guy and he seems like a natural future pundit.

[Autobarn]

Lockett is an articulate bloke. But does he like boxing enough to have a boxing related job following his fighting days?

[TerribleTerry]

Good luck Gary - a proper fight, for a proper title, against a proper champion.

You can't ask for more than that!

[Twinkle Toes]

Good luck Lockett

[Eraserhead]

I'd rather see Pavlik win to be honest. A real, solid, exciting and ambitious middleweight. Takes chances, lets it all hang out and is a good face for the middleweight division. If the belts somehow end up in Lockett's lap (slim and none), then we'll have seen a British title level fighter upset the odds and sit at the top of the tree. Unless Lockett shows something he's never, ever shown before...the guy's simply not world-class. If he hits Pavlik with the bingo shot, fair play to him - I don't see his reign lasting more than one fight, though, and I'd rather Pavlik kept winning and kept on the road to Calzaghe. Call me cynical but I'd prefer to see Pavlik-Calzaghe than Lockett's first defence against Paul Smith. Lockett's woefully protected career record also doesn't sit right with me.

[Autobarn]

Will be good to see Lockett put up a good fight, good enough to shut up some of those dismissive Yank writers who may have been a bit unfair to him. Hopefully he comes out of the fight in good health with his reputation boosted, so he can resume a decent career. I don't want him to get badly bashed up, but I don't want to see him win either. Because what's he going to do if he gets hold of a WBO title? Sure he'll be well off and all, but I'm thinking there won't be many ambitious matchups (I'm understating here).

[ebeneezer]

Just like to say a big thank you to Cisco kid for sending us dvd's of Pavlik's early fights, and in fact the fights where he's been put on his bum bum - very helpful mate and much appreciated, you're a star and welcome for tea anytime!!!!!

Well the tickets are booked, my brut, spare pants and toothbrush are in my asda bag and there's a pooh factory in my pants - razzle dazzle!!

C'mon Gary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lockett's going to do HIMSELF proud, make no mistake and Mr Pavlik will be shocked at how good Lockett actually is, he was a stellar amateur. While his career hasn't progressed the way it perhaps should have form is temporary but class is perm!!

I'm going to put a cheeky £100 on Lockett to win, because I think he can do it. The form guide and general opinion suggests different but I don't think people have seen the best of Lockett and a lot of people have written him off too early...

Ps I haven't been on here for a while can anyone tell me if search has had a brain transplant lol ???

If anyone's going post where you are staying and lets drink beer and sing songs to make merry...

After 3, 1-2-3 "He's got his head on upside down, Pavliks got his head on upside down....."

TKO 3

RAZZLE DAZZLE!!!111

[Asterix]

Why Lockett decided to fight a distance fight I'll never know.

[states]

A staggeringly obvious result there then. Proof,if it were ever needed, that the WBU title isn't actually that close to real world-class.

Mind you, with regards to this fight, I don't think anyone thought that anyway. I hope Pavlik takes on Abraham before he leaves 160, because I see that as a decent fight. Abraham has the same attributes as Lockett (Punch, chin), but they're proven at a higher level. He's also better at the fundamentals. It'd be great to see Pavlik fight the other dangerous 160lb'er before he steps up (if that's his intention)

I'll also go on record now and say that if Pavlik is one of the 2 fights Calzaghe has left (if he plans on that many), I expect Calzaghe to win. Not in a Lacyesque blow-out, but certainly by similar margins to the Kessler fight.

[leforge]

The lack of major fights might have caused been a cause in lockett demise. The tactics did not sem to be there

[chesh]

A staggeringly obvious result there then. Proof,if it were ever needed, that the WBU title isn't actually that close to real world-class.

Mind you, with regards to this fight, I don't think anyone thought that anyway. I hope Pavlik takes on Abraham before he leaves 160, because I see that as a decent fight. Abraham has the same attributes as Lockett (Punch, chin), but they're proven at a higher level. He's also better at the fundamentals. It'd be great to see Pavlik fight the other dangerous 160lb'er before he steps up (if that's his intention)

I'll also go on record now and say that if Pavlik is one of the 2 fights Calzaghe has left (if he plans on that many), I expect Calzaghe to win. Not in a Lacyesque blow-out, but certainly by similar margins to the Kessler fight.

I'm not sure the current version of Calzaghe beats Pavlik. Joe's in decline, Pavlik's in the ascendancy and the right hand Joe's always been susceptible to could be a deciding factor in the fight. He might not get up as quickly as he did from BHop's right. Anyway, I'd prefer Kelly to stay at 160 for some time and fight Abraham, as you mention. Joe can bow out against someone else on the seniors tour (RJ, Tarver or Johnson). I've lost a bit of interest in Calzaghe.

[states]

I'm not hugely fond of him myself. I just think he's still capable of avoiding Pavlik's long shots and countering him with those rapid bursts. Maybe Joe ain't as good as he used to be, but he's still miles better than Lockett. Last night really was man against boy. Lockett had no business being there, so I don't think it proves much about Pavlik as a top class fighter, other than the fact that he can easily dispose of fighters he's expected to beat.

[SticknMove]

I see enough in Pavlik's makeup to beat Calzaghe at this relative stage in their careers.

Pavlik is inordinately tall, strong, awkward and deceptively hard handed with a stamina to match. The raw ingredients that beat a polished and skilled Taylor has moved on. He is now the top man in his division, and his heart and mind have filled out to match that status - not by people blowing smoke up his arse but by what he has done and experienced in his career to date to merit the fact.

[states]

Without wishing to sound like Max Molyneux, all he did tonight was beat an over-matched Gary Lockett. A man who was unproven at British level.

I'm not saying Calzaghe would blow through Pavlik, and I'm not saying Calzaghe is some sort of all-time legend. But it was painfully obvious that Lockett buckled under the sort of assault he's never seen before. WBU fights are no preperation for genuine world-class. Lockett looked stunned at what was coming his way, and was happy to take a knee to get out of the way. Calzaghe wouldn't buckle at the first attack. Look at the way he adjusted versus Kessler.

[SticknMove]

Without wishing to sound like Max Molyneux, all he did tonight was beat an over-matched Gary Lockett. A man who was unproven at British level.

I'm not saying Calzaghe would blow through Pavlik, and I'm not saying Calzaghe is some sort of all-time legend. But it was painfully obvious that Lockett buckled under the sort of assault he's never seen before. WBU fights are no preperation for genuine world-class. Lockett looked stunned at what was coming his way, and was happy to take a knee to get out of the way. Calzaghe wouldn't buckle at the first attack. Look at the way he adjusted versus Kessler.

I understand what you are saying mate.

What I was posting wasn't entirely based on the Lockett fight. I have never got involved in any discussion on this particular fight since it was made.

Pavlik has the momentum and has a great deal more in front of him as the best MW out there right now. With his physical attributes and rawness he beat an highly heralded skilled fighter in his prime and he is still developing as a bona fide world champ whilst still improving on his all round boxing nous.

Personally I think he beats Calzaghe at 168 right now and I dont often give predictions out on big fights.

[Neri]

I'm sure Enzo Calzaghe is mad at Lockett for not following the gameplan, but you can't blame Lockett when he is faced with a fighter with power that he has never experienced before. No shame, he went over to america and gave it a go. Lockett was simply outgunned and i'm glad he finally got his big night because i haven't been happy about the progress of Gary's career.

Pavlik is a great finisher when he has his man hurt and it was easy for him to look good last night so your going to get people ranting and raving how Pavlik would destroy Joe over the next few months. Calzaghe is no Gary Lockett, Calzaghe to outbox Pavlik in a gruelling fight.

[EddieShredder]

You're right Neri that Calzaghe is no Gary Lockett. He'd present a whole load of problems for Pavlik... but these days I don't think power is one of them. If Pavlik didn't respect Joes power, he'd be more than willing to take a shot to give one, as he's proved in previous fights with big punchers (albeit at middle, even with blown up LM's). The fight would likely be at 168, which at this stage favours Pavlik too..

Joe would be the favorite, and rightly so.... but I think Pavlik has a lot more to offer, and is better than we've seen so far. I also think he's a much more clever fighter than we often give him credit for. Whilst it might not be a popular opinion, personally, I think he'll raise his game, and beat Joe.

[leforge]

What next for Gary?

[Neri]

What next for Gary?

Maybe retirement? He has made it known that he doesn't really like the boxing game so where can he go after a quick but punishing defeat by the number 1 middleweight in the world? There are some good domestic fights to be made with the likes of Elcock, Smith, Barker and Macklin about but will a fighter with no love for boxing be able to find the desire for these type of match ups? At 31 I don't think he can improve.

[Lenny]

Agree with Asterix, how was Lockett ever going to do anything standing in range like that?? Perfect look good fight for Pavlik, who was as expected, many leagues above Lockett in talent.

Currently Pavlik has quite a few attributes which are better than Joe's. Better power, arguably better stamina than the current version, throws combinations that hurt rather than shoe shiners. Joe is the more fluid mover and still knows plenty of tricks but I think the power could be a key issue, especially given how Joe looked hurt from quite a few of the punches Hopkins threw. Kelly will throw more in a single round than Hopkins did in 12, although the timing won't be nearly as good, he'll still land plenty of right hands on Joe and in my opinion is a better boxer than Kessler.

Would still prefer to see him properly clean out the middleweight division and then move up to whoever the top guys and supermiddle are (Kessler, Froch and the like)

[Kilburn]

Professional job from Pavlik. Can't help but like the bloke.

I'm not going to start up a band wagon, all I'll say is that Pavlik would beat any of the guys that Calzaghe has beaten, IMO.

[stujones]

Well that was nothing short of a shambles was it.... Lockett a notorious cutter, didn't see to have an experienced cut man.

I hate to see a fighter booed, but I could see why. I would like to see a fighter, with nothing to lose, go out on his shield - not take a knee.

Pavlik did a number, very impressive - I liked his accuracy, hand speed, although hard to judge compared to a stiff, slow (nerves) Lockett. Once Pavlik knew he had him beat, he was much relaxed and was slipping shots well. I STILL think Lockett was prime for more body shots (which had an effect) there were times when Lockett was bent over and just asking for a left hand to the rib area (punching in a downward cross style) which I think would have got the job done - still too happy with the head hunting, but eh - cannot complain with that job.

Interesting to see Gary's take on it..... I wonder if he has ever gone 100% with Joe - and stood up to his power.

[hitman_hatton1]

Professional job from Pavlik. Can't help but like the bloke.

I'm not going to start up a band wagon, all I'll say is that Pavlik would beat any of the guys that Calzaghe has beaten, IMO.

i'd tip kessler to outpoint pavlik.

i think it would be a fairly close fight though.

[Coco]

What next for Gary?

Maybe retirement? He has made it known that he doesn't really like the boxing game so where can he go after a quick but punishing defeat by the number 1 middleweight in the world? There are some good domestic fights to be made with the likes of Elcock, Smith, Barker and Macklin about but will a fighter with no love for boxing be able to find the desire for these type of match ups? At 31 I don't think he can improve.

It is the business of boxing which has disillusioned Gary.
He has waited on the sidelines, devoid of meaningful fights until this massive fight cropped up.

[Chambers2]

Bring on Pavlik Vs Calzaghe! It'd be a cracking fight, I'd fancy Pavlik to beat JC, but whichever way the result went it'd be a barnstormer IMO