Boxing News: Will Kelly Pavlik Make Noise At Super-Middleweight? The boxing critics have been out with force since former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik lost his title to slick southpaw Sergio Martinez last month. It was the second loss in four fights for Pavlik, 36-2, 32 KO’s, who was one the verge of superstardom before Bernard Hopkins boxed his socks off in late 2008. After the Martinez loss, the 28-year old brawler decided that it was time to move into the talent rich 168 Lb. area code. Kelly has a slew of big money options at super-middleweight to choose from: Andre Ward, Mikkel Kessler, Andre Dirrell, Arhur Abraham or Carl Froch just to name a few. But after a couple of suspect outings, including the loss to Hopkins 170 Lbs., how good will Pavlik be at 168? Below is an in-depth look at Kelly Pavlik from our fight picks team of experts.
 

Fight Picks Analysis: Youngstown native Kelly Pavlik had a stellar amateur career with an 88-9 record. Pavlik is a puncher that likes to set up his deadly combinations behind a stiff jab. Pavlik throws lots of leather when he has opponents stand in front of him but he has trouble with movement. Pavlik is not a one-punch KO artist but he has good power and knows how to finish when he has an opponent hurt. Kelly has been well-schooled and has solid fundamentals but he gets tagged to often for a world-class fighter. Kelly has lots of heart and a good jaw to absorb punishment but his face is susceptible to cuts. Bernard Hopkins showed that Pavlik has a difficult time using his long arms when he has to in-fight. Pavlik is a strong bodypuncher but he needs space to work. Pavlik also has only average speed and must be set to punch with authority.
 
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Pavlik stands at a lean 6'2" and when he fought Hopkins he looked frail in comparison. Pavlik is deceivingly strong however and will be a good sized super-middle. When it comes to conditioning, Kelly has few superiors. Pavlik boxing trains and cross-trains nine hours per day, six days per week so his cardio is more impressive than his sheer size.

Pavlik has proven himself to be a good pro but not a great one. Kelly could beat some of the above mentioned big names at 168 Lbs. but a few of those guys could probably give him a beating. Pavlik’s offensive style makes for fan friendly fights but our fight picks staff does not foresee him conquering the super-middleweight division.
 
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Kelly Pavlik Tale-of-The Tape

Ht. 6’2”
Wt. 168
Age 28
Reach: 75"
Style: Puncher\Boxer
Best Punch: Straight Right
Rounds Fought: 165

Kelly Pavlik Skill Ratings 1-10

Size: 7 (x200%)
Power: 7 (x200%)
Boxing Ability: 7 (x200%)
Hand Speed: 6 (x200%)
Stamina: 9 (x200%)
Defense: 6 (x200%)
Durability: 8 (x200%)
Legs: 5
Jab: 7
Heart: 8
Punch Output: 8