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Taylor Vs. Pavlik: A Match-Up of Boxing's Best
September 29, 2007

by Hal Clarke

Finally, tonight, live from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, fight fans have a match-up worth getting excited about. The bout features champion Jermaine Taylor against up-and-coming slugger Kelly Pavlik in a 12 round contest for the WBC middleweight championship.

This is a fight that brings together the best of the best at 160 pounds fighting at their peak. Though Taylor holds the WBC middleweight championship this isn't a match about belts or championships. Boxing is corrupt, everyone knows it, and between the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO all calling different men their champion, it's up to fight fans to rise above the beauracracy and recognize the true champion. That champion unquestionably is Jermaine Taylor.

Taylor earned his place as "The Man" by beating long-time middleweight champ and icon Bernard Hopkins in two consecutive matches and then going on to draw with top pound-for-pound defensive tactition Winky Wright in one of the best fights of 2006. Next, upendeding punching machine Kassim Ouma and then current light middleweight champ Cory Spinks, both by decision, Taylor proved he is without a doubt the head of the 160 pound class. However, while Taylor was reinforcing his status as #1 at 160 a man by the nickname of "The Ghost" was violently carving a name for himself compiling a stunning 31-0 record with 28 wins coming by way of knockout.

In the other corner of tonight's dream match is Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik. Unlike Taylor, who earned bronze in the 2000 Olympics and now trains under world reknowned trainer Emmanuel Steward, a far cry from his very modest Arkansas upbringing, Pavlik continues to live and train in Youngstown, Ohio with the same man who's been in his corner since his youth, trainer Jack Loew. Noting this difference of ways, the sports media has jumped on this match highlighting not only the fact that this is a match-up of two undefeated fighters in their prime but also because they can twist the tale into that of the golden boy (Taylor) versus the working man's boy (Pavlik). Ironic that so many are so quick to turn on Taylor who not only added a new, humble face to the current boxing pantheon but also willingly took on the best of the best in order to get there, a feat few in boxing in the new millennium would ever dream of attempting. That the media and boxing fans are as fickle as this match seems to indicate is a crying shame. No matter though, as the wake up call will be delivered tonight at around 11:30 PM EST when Michael Buffer reads the verdict: "the winner... and still champion... Jermaine... "Bad Intentions..." Taylor!"

I believe Taylor is far too experienced a fighter for a slugger like Pavlik. Having KO'd 95% of his opponents is certainly impressive, but what does it say about the quality of Pavlik's foes? Taylor has unquestionably fought some of the best and most difficult fighters of his generation and come out on top each time. Likewise, Pavlik has come out on top in each of his bouts but has he ever fought anyone as talented and experienced as Taylor? With only a few name opponents registering on his resume, most recently the over-hyped slugger Edison Miranda, can Pavlik pull off the upset regardless? With his enormous power no doubt Pavlik has a puncher's chance, but in my estimation Taylor is too good, too experienced, and will prove too much for Pavlik. Taylor will box and move, use his long arms to jab and jab and jab, tie up Pavlik when he bullies his way in, and will smash the aggressive Pavlik with a plethora of overhand rights until Pavlik eventually crumbles in the late rounds.

With the media, his fans, and seemingly the entire world of boxing leaping on Pavlik's coat tails I believe a match of this caliber is exactly the motivation Taylor needs to finally put an exclamation point on how good a fighter he has become. And I have no doubt he will, stopping Pavlik in his tracks on his way to winning one of the most exciting fights of the year.

My prediction: Jermaine Taylor via TKO Round 10.

This match broadcast live, Saturday, September 29, 2007 10:15PM EST on HBO.

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Want to tell Hal Clarke he doesn't know anything about anything? Or maybe you agree. Email him at halclarke@undependentmedia.com

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