In their first fight, Kelly Pavlik knocked out Jermain Taylor and took his middleweight title. Can Taylor return the favor in the rematch?
On February 16, 2008 Kelly Pavlik and Jermain Taylor meet once more, this time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fight will be broadcast by HBO Pay-Per-View.
Pavlik's Middleweight Title is Safe
The fighters agreed to a catch-weight of 166 pounds, consequently, the middleweight title isn't up for grabs. Should Pavlik lose the belt he won from Taylor in September, he will retain his title.
Fighters Helped by Extra Weight
The first question on the mind of fight fans is who will benefit the most from the extra six pounds. While Taylor's camp has, in the past, made considerable noise about his struggles to make weight, the six-two Pavlik was rumoured to have struggled even more. A naturally powerful puncher, even at the difficult weight of 160, Pavlik should relish the extra six pounds and the greater power it affords him.
Offsetting the extra 12 pounds on fight night will be the absence of Emmanuel Steward, who is no longer training ex-champ, Taylor. While their parting seems to be amicable, it is hardly a surprise as communication in their corner during fights was disjointed at best.
Steward Frustrated
During fights, Steward, obviously frustrated, could be heard screaming at Taylor to simply throw punches while Taylor would respond with a "Yes Sir" then go out and do exactly what he said he wouldn't. It's a phenomena that showed itself in Taylor's knock out loss to Pavlik, but was glaring in his performances against Kaseem Ouma and especially Cory Spinks.
On the other hand, in the seventh round, when Taylor decided to take Steward's advice and press the fight, he got knocked out.
Ozell Nelson Takes Over
Ozell Nelson, who has been Taylor's co-trainer, steps into the role of full time ring navigator. Nelson began mentoring Taylor when he was a hard luck, 13-year-old in rural Arkansas and has been involved in his development in some capacity ever since.
Jack Leow Still the Man
Taylor and Nelson is hardly the only feel-good story in this fight. The well publicised relationship between Pavlik and his trainer, Jack Leow is still going strong. Leow, a driveway paver by trade, has guided Pavlik to a world title, with a little help from the uncommon promotional skills of Bob Arum and Top Rank Inc., leaving no need to bring in a high profile trainer.
That both fighters will be stronger is certain. The question is whether the added weight gives the faster Taylor the stamina to show Pavlik angles for twelve rounds, or does he feel the extra weight will allow him to stand and trade with the Youngstown, PA hero.
Look for the former. Hope for the latter.
