The last truly GREAT middleweight championship fight. Taylor-Pavlik 1 was essentially what people HOPED Golovkin-Canelo would be.
I wonder why Taylor went right after Pavlik yet fought Cory Spinks as if he was as dangerous as MICHAEL Spinks
I thought Pavlik was done in the second round. I didn’t notice until rewatching it how those right hands were taking its toll. Pavlik kept finding his range on it and eventually Taylor would briefly stop in his tracks when those right hands would land. All 3 of Pavlik’s wins in 2007 came when he got a guy on the ropes. Zertuche was basically unconscious on his feet after that right hand.
It was a great fight. I always enjoy fights that have the 'athleticism vs fundamental' spin on 'em, even though in this case both were very talented, and neither were Bernard Hopkins with the fundamentals. It's just that Pavlik was much better fundamentally, I suppose. Taylor gets underrated. Very impressive record, some top notch wins. Brilliant talent and he knew how to use it. Lots of heart, although barely any composure. He was an incredibly entertaining fighter with an underrated punch. I think it's the last great middleweight fight at the highest level. There's been some since which I really, really enjoyed. Particularly:
I feel like Pavlik vs Taylor 1 gets overlooked nowadays but in all honesty that fight would have easily won Fight of the Year in my opinion had it not been for Vazquez vs Marquez 2. Such high drama, action, and a great styles match up all together. I agree, one of the last truly great fights at MW.
I thought Canelo vs GGG I was a very entertaining fight...but yeah it has been a while since I watched Pavlik vs Taylor...I might need to revisit this one over the weekend
