What about this Jermain Taylor - Kelly Pavlik pairing - media and internet sites alike see the age 25 Pavlik a valid challenge to the undefeated champion.

Personally I’m not all that convinced the Youngstown kid is ready to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat. Puncher’s chance one may argue; maybe, maybe not, since we haven’t as yet seen any cracks in the chin construction of Taylor in some 28 unbeaten outings.  

Pavlik also arrives undefeated after 31 kept appointments with 28 short of distance -  expectations are he’ll come to fight - showed valid toughness in the Edison Miranda win that earned him top media rating recognition.

Rest of the story: Tale of the tape one thing, but Taylor has proven himself with better quality of opposition - the win-draw with Bernard Hopkins, and the Winky Wright, Ouma, Spinks outings top the "names" that’s on the Pavlik resume.

Guess here is Pavlik makes it interesting early, but the quickness and polish difference favors the champion - pick here is Taylor via unanimous decision - that is, unless Kelly turns up a bleeder - then it’s late stanza TKO.

9-27-2007