Kelly Pavlik vs Mikkel Kessler?

Question

12 rounds, super middleweight division. Who wins?

Pejon thank you very much for a great analysis,but I'm afraid I have to disagree with your prognosis of the outcome of this match.You have excellently pointed out those two things that,I also believe,Pavlik is lacking at this moment,but in my opinion,Santana was spot on as far as this is concerned.Pavlik's style is just to loose for my liking.He really does throw too many of those wide shots and,even though effective so far,it's really hard for me to see him have any success like that against Mikkel Kessler.Kessler is more powerful,he's technically superior and his style is a lot tighter and sharper then Pavlik's.And finally,that right hand,as you your self pointed out,would most likely be the cause of his down fall in this match. He keeps it way to low most of the time and,granted was able to get away with it against his prior opponents,but in this fight he would have another thing coming.It would just be a matter of moments before Mikkel exploited that and put him out in my opinion.

Answer 1

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In my opinion Kessler would stop Pavlik inside of four rounds. Kesslers style is much more compact than Pavliks, Kelly throws wide shots and you can see his right hand coming from clear across the ring. Pavlik is a flash in the pan and his Youngstown troop is trying to build him up. Kessler would land the cleaner and much straighter punches and hurt Pavlik early on and often before the referee stops the action with no comment from the Pavlik corner.

Thanks for the question.

Answer 2

What a great match up
I saw Pavlik fight for the first time in his last fight. I was very impressed. I've since look at a number of his other fights. He has power in both hands. His right hand though is brilliant. If as one person has answered, "that you can see it coming from across the ring", then that must mean a good % of his 30 opponents were vision impaired! They certainly were after he hit them with it!
It would be interesting to see what going up 7-8lbs would do for his power and speed.
I would only make 2 changes to Pavlik
1. Develop a better short left hook. That way if some one does get inside then he has an agressive defensive punch short from the left to an orthodox fighter.
2. Stop him dropping his right hand so much. He does have a good defense with his right but he does drop it too often for my liking.

Now as far as Kessler is concerned VERY good fighter who really can bang, he does have a good defense but my one concern would be, that I doubt if he has fought anyone with the punching power that I suspect Pavlik would have at 168lbs.

If I was in Pavlik's team I would put into play the changes above, while winning the Middleweight World Title and then move up a division.

One thing I am very sure of though, the fight would not go 12 rounds and I would favour Pavlik if those changs are made.

Answer 3

i've got faith Kessler can completely out field Pavlik via fact Kessler has greater rounds adventure and fought greater efficient experienced warring parties than Pavlik. Pavlik fought many shorter warring parties and maximum are much less experienced. the two can brawl and it would be solid combat. i'm going to have Kessler triumphing decision.

Answer 4

a_p_ - Kessler would take Pavlik. Although Pavlik has a impressive record, weight wise Kessler is the bigger man (Pavlik being a middleweight) and since both are bangers, I believe Kessler would win a split decision or TKO Pavlik in the later rounds of a war. Excellent match up.

Answer 5

I'd pick Kessler in a pretty good action fight. I think Kessler would be to strong for Pavlik in the late rounds and stop him in round 11 of a thrilling war.

Answer 6

I'd have to go with Kessler on this one. More bigger fight expierience. I dont think Pavlik will go as far as some are thinking. We'll see though, maybe I could be wrong.

Answer 7

Mikkel Kessler....one of the most underrated fighters today.

Answer 8

Who gives a f*ck you fa*got!