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I fancied Pavlik first time around and as soon as the rematch was announced i thought he'd win, probably with another middle round knock out. But as its getting closer i keep leaning towards Taylor and i dont really know why. I do think that if it goes to points JT will get it but the hardest battle will be in his own head after not being able to put Pavlik away when he was there for the taking and then suffering a KO himself.

Usual classy HBO build up over at youtube, 3 parts I think. Not sure if Setanta have been doing much.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz7PWgiOJns

Looking back at the 2nd, Taylor really hit Pavlik with the kitchen sink and still couldn't finish him. JT looked knackered at the end of that round. Big difference was that when Pavlik had Taylor in trouble, it was game over within seconds.

Yep, Pavlik rightfully looks a hot favorite here, and it'd be good to see an outsider like him continue his rise to legendary folk hero status - a real champ with a real belt.

He's a bit of a slow starter though, he didn't really loosen up last time until be was on the brink of defeat, coming out for the 3rd he was really slinging his best shots.

Taylor is much faster, and might do some damage early. Should be a great fight and I may as well stick to Taylor by upset.

Taylor's "back to basics" training methods have been interesting. Especially after he slagged off Pavlik for the same thing in the first fight.

Is this being fought at catchweight, forgive my ignorance, not been following boxing with the same ardour as before.

I fancied Pavlik last time around, based on performances prior to the fight from Taylor, where he looked ineffectual and gassed after a few rounds.

Taylor is absolutely huge for a middleweight, and I believe his stamina problems come from that. If he is fighting a few pounds north of 160, it could make all the difference in the world, and he should be able to sustain a more high octane approach for longer.

Pavlik isn't the hardest to hit, and if Taylor is able to sustain the aggression a couple of rounds longer, it could be enough.

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Is this being fought at catchweight, forgive my ignorance, not been following boxing with the same ardour as before.

I fancied Pavlik last time around, based on performances prior to the fight from Taylor, where he looked ineffectual and gassed after a few rounds.

Taylor is absolutely huge for a middleweight, and I believe his stamina problems come from that. If he is fighting a few pounds north of 160, it could make all the difference in the world, and he should be able to sustain a more high octane approach for longer.

Pavlik isn't the hardest to hit, and if Taylor is able to sustain the aggression a couple of rounds longer, it could be enough.

It's at 166 mate. And, I totally agree, the extra 6 pounds should increase Taylor's stamina and I expect him to win this time.

I think Pavlik will have too much stamina for Taylor again. Taylor will really have to up his game. He has the raw ability to win, but will he apply it? Plus he has to exorcise his demons of last time, which will be in the back of his mind.

The interesting thing will be how the weight or lack of weight draining affects each fighter. Taylor was drained at 160 and Pavlik may have been too.

Tought to predict, heart says Taylor, head says Pavlik. Calazage beats both

Read an interesting interview on Pavlik from his Dad saying that Kelly finds it relatively easy ot make 160, although his walking weight is around 175. They even considered him moving down to 154 a few years back

I think that Taylor could be a real force at 168. Jury is out, but I suspect his tentative fighting of late has been due to increasing weight making problems.

I think the same. Taylor was talking about moving to 168 after the second time he beat Hopkins 3 years ago.

It's also good to see him and Steward finish, as that just didn't work.

Pavlik/Taylor 2 countdown video...

http://www.boxrec.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=77703

Taylor's going for a ride again here - Pavlik KO 5 or 6