I doubt anybody would favor Pavlik but he at least has some of the tools needed to cause an upset. Of course he'd have to be agressive and try to make it a brawl.
Pavlik is more than live in this one. How many times has Hearns fought a taller guy? Hearns could outbox him....but the thing with Tommy was that he was in love with his power. If hearns decided to make it a fight he could get caught and I don't trust Hearns' chin to take too much of Pavlik's punches.
I think the speed disparity is too big and Kelly is too available a target. The Taylor fight alone proves that Tommy is capable of stopping Pav, and I think he would.
Yeah but Pavlik has a decent chin. Sure....Taylor knocked him down and Hearns hit much harder than Taylor. But Benn knocked down Barkley three times in 1 round and Hearns didn't stop Barkley on two tries. Hearns above 154lbs was somewhat vulnerable as against a HUGE middleweight with power like Pavlik...I'd be nervous picking Tommy if I had any money on it. I'd pick hearns....but with much trepidation.
Yeah i think it's the kind of fight if you had a lot of money riding on it you pick Tommy, but you're nervous any time Pavlik gets close or lands a decent shot.
Sly has to find hope in ANY Hearns opponent. He'd give LeMoo like a 45% chance against Tommy. Kelly isn't without a chance, but the most likely scenario is a Hearns stoppage.
Pavlik is too hittable. I don't think he's gonna survive those right hands plus he's not like Hagler in that he can bullrush his opponent and take one to deliver 2. I think Pavlik may see the mid rounds, but he'll pay a price for it. Can't see him winning this fight.
