30.09.07 – By Sean Ocampo: Many people thought that this fight was going to be a wipe out for Jermain Taylor after the second round, but they were obviously wrong. Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik shocked the boxing world by knocking out World Middleweight Champion Jermain “Bad Intentions” Taylor in the 7th round of their championship fight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With the win, Pavlik captured the WBO/WBC world titles and also improved his devastating record to 31-0-0 with 29 knockouts. As for Taylor, it was his first professional loss and his record fell to 27-1-1 with 17 knockouts..
Both fighters traded bombs right from the opening bell, but it was Taylor dictating the pace of the fight. Taylor was constantly beating Pavlik to punch and he was practically out jabbing the challenger. He came into the fight as the aggressor as he looked to close out Pavlik early.
During the second round, Taylor landed a straight hand that rocked Pavlik. The challenger was obviously on unsteady feet and Taylor took advantage of the opportunity. Taylor battered Pavlik with crushing barrage of punches until Pavlik was knocked down. Pavlik showed tremendous heart by getting up after the devastating combinations, but he was practically getting whooped by the young champion. Pavlik was able to survive the round but he was still wobbly going to his corner.
During the third round, Pavlik was able to recuperate and was showing signs of a comeback. He threw his long jabs and devastating right hands to Taylor during the round. He stepped on the gas pedal when Taylor was cornered. Taylor took Pavlik’s best punches of the round. He still managed to dance around the ring and pop his famous jabs to Pavlik. Taylor was still in control of the fight.
When the bell rang for the fourth round, Taylor still showed speed as he continuously beat Pavlik to the punch. However, Pavlik was able to press the action occasionally when Taylor was cornered. His patented right hand is getting through Taylor’s defense and he was also working on Taylor’s body. Taylor was still able to dictate the fight, but was having lapses during this point of the fight.
The fifth and sixth round was practically the same, as Taylor showed tremendous handspeed through blitzing combinations. Taylor was clearly winning the fight to this point. However, Taylor slowed down a little during both rounds. Pavlik’s hard punches were taking its toll to the champion. He will occasionally make Taylor fight backwards and corner the young champion. Pavlik threw vicious right hand shots to Taylor but he was able to take the solid punches. As the fight progressed, Pavlik was also able to shook off Taylor’s devastating shots and he was slowly gaining confidence.
The shocker came during the seventh round, Taylor was a little fatigued but was still throwing effectively to Pavlik. Both fighters traded and it was Pavlik getting the best of the exchanges. Pavlik now full confidence because he knew Taylor’s playing his game. An earth shattering right hand wobbled Taylor and pushed him to a corner. The champion was now on unsteady legs. Pavlik took the initiative and threw a barrage of punches to Taylor. The champion covered up for dear life but Pavlik’s uppercuts and right hands are getting through his defense. The battered Taylor fell and that prompted referee Steve Smoger to stop the fight at 2:14 minutes of the 7th round.
The crowd went ballistic after witnessing a major upset. The underdog Pavlik won the fight with an Arturo Gatti-ish performance (coming from behind by knockout) in Gatti’s hometown of New Jersey. Pavlik was way behind on the scorecards before the stoppage. All three judges scored the fight for the former champion. Two judges scored the fight 58-55 and the other judge scored it 59-54, all in favor of Taylor.
Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, a native of Youngstown in Ohio, became the small town’s new hero because of the upset victory. There is a rematch clause in the contract stating that Pavlik should fight Taylor above the Middleweight limit of 160 lbs. Pavlik stated during the post fight interview that he is not ducking anybody and he is ready to fight anybody inside the ring.
Boxing fans are treated with a classic Middleweight battle. Both fighters showed what boxing is all about, but Kelly Pavlik showed the chances of a puncher in any fight. Boxing is such an unpredictable sport and one punch can definitely change the course of the fight.