Pre fight- Well it's 4AM West coast time which kinda defeats the round by round running diary, but hey I just got off of work. I've got some Pizza Rolls in the oven and I'm juiced for this fight between two Russian fighters. Max Kellerman starts off with his best Dick Schaap impression by firing a near record 17 rhetorical questions in a 2 minute monolouge. A confusing description of why Kelly Pavlik may or may not be a great fighter. Max, its primetime HBO and Pavlik has just beaten Taylor, the best fighter in the division twice - go out on a limb and call him great. Lennox Lewis' mic cuts out and then Harold Lederman screams something unintelligible. Good start
The announcements- Imbragamov comes into the ring with hip-hop blaring. Interesting, he looks like a cross between Eli Manning, LJ Coulthurst and every aging Irish guy I played rugby against in Van Cortland Park. Next up is Klitchko referred to by Buffer as "Dr. Steelhammer". Fantastic. He looks in shape as always, but you know he has a bad chin so its always nervous if your rooting for him.
My Pizza Rolls are ready. We just gotten ready to rumble and I can't wait for the bell. Sultan is undefeated and this is the first time I've seen him fight - and actually seen him - though I have wagered against him at least twice in Vegas. For those scoring at home that makes me 0-2.
Round 1 - Is Vlad on stilts? He looks to be a good 7 inches taller than Sultan. Vlad has literally turned this into a slapfight as he paws at Sultan's right hand to block his jab. Very odd. Not much action. Feel out round. I'll give it to Vlad b/c he had a strategy. He stalked Sultan all over the ring and dictated the pace. Which was none. Imbragamov literally did nothing. He threw a few punches and never once looked to pressure Vlad. I can't give him the round. Vlad 1-0
Round 2- Another slow start to the round. Not a good sign. These guys styles do not complement each other and as we all know - "Styles make fights". This could be a 12round jab-a-thon. As Jim Lampley's hairpiece says numerous times, Vlad is landing his jab with regularity. And I couldn't have described the round any better. Vlad 2-0. Someone better turn the bolts on Sultan's neck and get him involved in this fight. He's sleepwalking.
Round 3- Lederman has it 1-1 and I have it 2-0 Vlad. Eh. More slapping and jabbing from Vlad. He lands a nice double jab right after Lennox says he should be using a double jab and backs Sultan into the corner. From this angle it looks as if Vlad is fighting a 12yr old boy.More punishing jabs. Take that Red Menace. Good burst of energy from Sultan. No real offense though. Vlad 3-0
Round 4-Compubox informs us that Vlad has thrown only two punches not considered jabs. And he's dominating the fight. Lederman has it 2-1 Vlad and gives a snivelling excuse for giving Sultan round 1. Nice shots from Vlad, but just big jabs. Sultan shows some life. I may give the round to Sultan I don't think he won it but Lennox keeps saying he's desperate and I know it won't be a shutout. Vlad 4-0. There's just not much going on in this fight
Round 5- Crowd boos. More jabs. Good combination from Vlad. And that's it. 1 combination in the round. Vlad wins it. 5-0. More boos from the crowd. To my knowledge Sultan landed 1 punch
Round 6- These guys are landing less than 10 punches a round. Thanks compubox. Where is Larry Merchant when you need him. I need someone to wax poetic about something. I'll go by my scoring sytem last round. Sultan landed a combination. Vlad did not. Vlad 5-1.
Round 7- Between rounds were highlights of Vlads jab. No shit, that was the package. Lederman agreed w/ me and gave last round to Sultan. he has it Vlad 4-2 I have Vlad 5-1. Action from Sultan. Kellerman thinks it a shutout. Vlad lands a good right hand that is the highlight of the round. Vlad 6-1.
Round 8 - Sultan has landed 56 punches in the fight. That's 8 a round. He's landing once every 20 seconds and it always a partially blocked right into the small of Vlad's back. I think I could land a punch every 20 seconds. Kellerman directly contradicts Lampley for at least the 5th time. They are like a girl and her ex-boyfriend's friend trying to work together. Kellerman is so passive agressive. Big right from Vlad. Few nice rights from Vlad. He wins another round. Vlad 7-1.
Round 9 - Some action from Vlad. A few big punches. Kellerman realizes its getting late in the fight and knows he needs to curry favor with Lampley, agrees with Jim about a possible knockdown ruling. Questionable. I was fine with not ruling it a knockdown. Vlad bounced Suktan into and briefly thru the ropes. Best combo of the fight. Vlad realizes he may be entertaining the crowd and immediately stops throwing punches. Vlad 8-1
Round 10- Only three to go. The "championship rounds". Replay shows it probably was a knockdown. Lampley announces he was right with a shrill evil proclamation. "So I was right!" Kellerman is noticeably silent. Lennox speaks for 45 consecutive seconds, boldy showing that he is king. Lampley coos along with him until Kellerman gets back from the bathroom to announce that its a streetfight now. A streetfight where one guy slaps and another guy doesn't throw any punches. Basically its West Side Story. Somewhere behind the drama of these three men trapped together... two Russians dance. Vlad 9-1
Round 11- I am dizzy from lack of sleep as I close in on 6AM. This fight is like the dupe tape on the bus in 'Speed'. It's the same thing over and over until Dennis Hopper notices the lady dropped her purse. Vlad punches Sutlan in the face - hard, to end the round. Kellerman has gone philisophical saying Vlad needs to be aware of his image. I think he needs to throw lots of punches, really hard. Vlad 10-1
Round 12- The guys are arguing about Vlad's trainers' greatness for the first minute and a half. More jabs. More boos from the crowd. Vlad 11-1
The decision- Dr. Steelhammer wins a unanimous decision. And draws a step closer to his eventual showdown with Nikolei Valuev. Kellerman phrases his question with a baseball reference to a lab nerd from Kiev. Vlad, of course, gives a non-sensical answer to a question that he couldn't possibly have understood. It's not TV it's HBO
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Comrade's Mine
Such a night for boxing. Klitschko born in Kazakhstan and also from Ukraine, my neighbors to south. Ibragimov from mountains Tylarata in Dagestan. With truth it be told, only I like heavyweight fighter . Rest are sizes of children and those ill . Also prefer no gloves for punching but these not done anymore for reasons of softening courage of societies. Is barbaric to strike man like God stike man with bare hand in bible ?
Klitschko built like me during fight days except I am weighted with equivalent of 40 more pounds. Although closer to my home, I could not cheers for Klitschko. Become too much flashy with a nice suit and ideas of glamour. This types of accents destroy the fighters mind.
Ibragimov not flashy, also not so good.
Klitschko brother also a heavyweight but brothers will not fight. Why I dont understand. My Brother Stanislav my most best apponent since all time. Since born constant fighting. To today, when family get together, always we clear space in room and fist fight for enjoyment of entire family. Stanislav 84 persent blind in eye from Christmas gauge in year 1999, but still not excuses for him.
Last words for thanks you importance to American friends at "Round by Round" for find and ask me to type all these words and for new personal computer and HBO payments . And I enjoy show "Cathouse" about american money sex girls.
Klitschko built like me during fight days except I am weighted with equivalent of 40 more pounds. Although closer to my home, I could not cheers for Klitschko. Become too much flashy with a nice suit and ideas of glamour. This types of accents destroy the fighters mind.
Ibragimov not flashy, also not so good.
Klitschko brother also a heavyweight but brothers will not fight. Why I dont understand. My Brother Stanislav my most best apponent since all time. Since born constant fighting. To today, when family get together, always we clear space in room and fist fight for enjoyment of entire family. Stanislav 84 persent blind in eye from Christmas gauge in year 1999, but still not excuses for him.
Last words for thanks you importance to American friends at "Round by Round" for find and ask me to type all these words and for new personal computer and HBO payments . And I enjoy show "Cathouse" about american money sex girls.
Klitschko vs. Ibragimov - Round by Round
10:32pm EST - Keys to Tale of the Tape: Klitschko is very fit. Ibragimov has flabby manboobs.
10:34pm EST - Ibragimov comes to the ring...slowly...He's either scared or is fighting off diarrhea.
10:36pm EST - Klitschko enters to Drago-like music. He's a monster. Although I think his jaw has a tattoo that says "fragile" in Russian...
10:37pm EST - The referee is Wayne Kelly. He just winked to the camera and said "can you believe the cans on Ibragimov?"
10:39pm EST- I think I saw our own Vlar Bunderbuchle in the crowd. He's wearing the same robe that Klitschko is wearing. Odd.
10:41pm EST- It's on. I predict early knockout for Ibragimov. I'm not joking.
10:43pm EST - Klitschko is literally pounding down Ibragimov's right jab with his big left paw. He's leaving himself a little open for the big left from the smaller Ibragimov. Good body shot from Ibragimov. Klitschko is stepping on Ibragimov's feet a lot. Klitschko might be wearing clown shoes though. Klitschko pawed but never scored. 10-9 Ibragimov.
10:47pm EST- Lederman had it 10-9 for Ibragimov. More pawing from Wladimir. Ibragimov trying to time his left. Good jabs from Klitschko. No scoring for Ibragimov in first two minutes of the round. Klitschko has a better round. Left jabs are finding their spots. Crowd is booing. They don't like the lack of action. Klitschko 10-9.
10:51pm EST - Ibragimov is trying to stay away and pick his spots. Good combo from Ibragimov backs up Klitschko. More good jabs from Klitschko find their spots. He hasn't landed a right yet. More action in last minute of round. Klitschko's jabs likely won him the round, but Ibragimov is getting a little more comfortable. Klitschko 10-9
10:53pm EST - I think someone shaved Ibragimov's belly since he was much hairier for the Holyfield fight.
10:55pm EST- Ibragimov seems tired. Good jabs again from Klitschko. Ibragimov can't seem to land his lead right. This is getting boring. When is Real Sex coming on? Klitschko 10-9
10:59pm EST - More big jabs from Klitschko. Ibragimov seems frustrated that he can't get inside. Finally a right that lands from Klitschko. He's in cruise control using the jab. Klitschko 10-9.
11:04pm EST - Klitschko still very lively. Ibragimov looks like he's hoping for a home run on Wlad's questionable chin. Ibragimov getting more desperate as he takes more chances inside. A clinch by Klitschko. Close round. Ibragimov 10-9.
11:07pm EST - Lederman has it 4-2 for Klitschko. We've got the same scores every round. Kill me now. Ibragimov may be getting braver. He's moving closer...and getting hit. Good jabs from Klitschko. Max and Lampley have it both as shutouts for Klitschko. I guarantee Larry Merchant is at a bar on the East Side right now bad-mouthing Max ("...what...a...kiss...ass.")
Nothing landed for Ibragimov this round. Klitschko 10-9.
11:11pm EST - Klitschko throwing more combinations. Big right hand lands on Ibragimov. Slip by Ibragimov (no knockdown). Ibragimov getting hit with some big shots. Good body shot from Ibragimov (too bad Klitschko is a robot with metal insides). Good power punches from Klitschko. Big overhand right from Ibragimvo. Almost sleepy time for Wlad. Klitschko 10-9.
11:15pm EST - 18 seconds into the round and Ibragimov's cornermen are still meandering on the ring apron. Huge straight right from Klitschko knocks Ibragimov into the ropes. Should have been ruled a knockdown. Ibragimov trying to time for a counter left. Klitschko seems to know what he's trying to do. End result: no one throws anything. Sultan Ibragimov is getting a little tired. He needs to land a hail mary or this will be over in the next round or so. Klitschko 10-9.
11:18pm EST - Vitali Klitschko is in Wlad's corner looking envious. Wlad just spit on his brother's shoes, I think. Big tackle by Ibragimov. Good right hook from Ibragimov. Its getting a little ugly with clinches and rabbit punches...mostly from Ibragimov. Klitschko with good scoring right. Ibragimov is fighting a little dirtier and seems to be a better strategy. Close round. Ibragimov 10-9.
11:22pm EST - Lederman has it 8-2 for Klitschko. Good right from Klitschko. More clinches from a tired Ibragimov. Klitschko seems content with just winning and not knocking out Ibragimov. This is why many boxing fans don't like Klitschko. Heavyweights should at least try to win by KO. As I write that, Klitschko lands a huge right which staggers Ibragimov. Bell saves him from further punishment and likely knockdown. Klitschko 10-9.
11:25pm EST - Manny Steward just implored Wladimir to throw more punches and go for knock out. That said, Wlad only throws jabs through first half of last round. Ibragimov with a desperate flurry. Boos from the crowd as the fight ends. Klitschko 10-9.
Dickie LaGoGo has it 9-3 (117-111) for Klitschko. Lederman has it 10-2 (118-110).
11:30pm EST - And we go to the judges cards: 119-110, 117-111, 118-110 all for Wladimir Klitschko...
11:33pm EST - Meanwhile, Larry Merchant just rushed the ring and threw a Tanqueray and tonic on Max Kellerman during his post-fight interview with Klitschko. It appears that Merchant has his pants on backwards. He grabs the microphone and stares into camera and says, "I...think...my...heart...just...stopped."
Wow, I can't wait for Vlar's commentary...
10:34pm EST - Ibragimov comes to the ring...slowly...He's either scared or is fighting off diarrhea.
10:36pm EST - Klitschko enters to Drago-like music. He's a monster. Although I think his jaw has a tattoo that says "fragile" in Russian...
10:37pm EST - The referee is Wayne Kelly. He just winked to the camera and said "can you believe the cans on Ibragimov?"
10:39pm EST- I think I saw our own Vlar Bunderbuchle in the crowd. He's wearing the same robe that Klitschko is wearing. Odd.
10:41pm EST- It's on. I predict early knockout for Ibragimov. I'm not joking.
10:43pm EST - Klitschko is literally pounding down Ibragimov's right jab with his big left paw. He's leaving himself a little open for the big left from the smaller Ibragimov. Good body shot from Ibragimov. Klitschko is stepping on Ibragimov's feet a lot. Klitschko might be wearing clown shoes though. Klitschko pawed but never scored. 10-9 Ibragimov.
10:47pm EST- Lederman had it 10-9 for Ibragimov. More pawing from Wladimir. Ibragimov trying to time his left. Good jabs from Klitschko. No scoring for Ibragimov in first two minutes of the round. Klitschko has a better round. Left jabs are finding their spots. Crowd is booing. They don't like the lack of action. Klitschko 10-9.
10:51pm EST - Ibragimov is trying to stay away and pick his spots. Good combo from Ibragimov backs up Klitschko. More good jabs from Klitschko find their spots. He hasn't landed a right yet. More action in last minute of round. Klitschko's jabs likely won him the round, but Ibragimov is getting a little more comfortable. Klitschko 10-9
10:53pm EST - I think someone shaved Ibragimov's belly since he was much hairier for the Holyfield fight.
10:55pm EST- Ibragimov seems tired. Good jabs again from Klitschko. Ibragimov can't seem to land his lead right. This is getting boring. When is Real Sex coming on? Klitschko 10-9
10:59pm EST - More big jabs from Klitschko. Ibragimov seems frustrated that he can't get inside. Finally a right that lands from Klitschko. He's in cruise control using the jab. Klitschko 10-9.
11:04pm EST - Klitschko still very lively. Ibragimov looks like he's hoping for a home run on Wlad's questionable chin. Ibragimov getting more desperate as he takes more chances inside. A clinch by Klitschko. Close round. Ibragimov 10-9.
11:07pm EST - Lederman has it 4-2 for Klitschko. We've got the same scores every round. Kill me now. Ibragimov may be getting braver. He's moving closer...and getting hit. Good jabs from Klitschko. Max and Lampley have it both as shutouts for Klitschko. I guarantee Larry Merchant is at a bar on the East Side right now bad-mouthing Max ("...what...a...kiss...ass.")
Nothing landed for Ibragimov this round. Klitschko 10-9.
11:11pm EST - Klitschko throwing more combinations. Big right hand lands on Ibragimov. Slip by Ibragimov (no knockdown). Ibragimov getting hit with some big shots. Good body shot from Ibragimov (too bad Klitschko is a robot with metal insides). Good power punches from Klitschko. Big overhand right from Ibragimvo. Almost sleepy time for Wlad. Klitschko 10-9.
11:15pm EST - 18 seconds into the round and Ibragimov's cornermen are still meandering on the ring apron. Huge straight right from Klitschko knocks Ibragimov into the ropes. Should have been ruled a knockdown. Ibragimov trying to time for a counter left. Klitschko seems to know what he's trying to do. End result: no one throws anything. Sultan Ibragimov is getting a little tired. He needs to land a hail mary or this will be over in the next round or so. Klitschko 10-9.
11:18pm EST - Vitali Klitschko is in Wlad's corner looking envious. Wlad just spit on his brother's shoes, I think. Big tackle by Ibragimov. Good right hook from Ibragimov. Its getting a little ugly with clinches and rabbit punches...mostly from Ibragimov. Klitschko with good scoring right. Ibragimov is fighting a little dirtier and seems to be a better strategy. Close round. Ibragimov 10-9.
11:22pm EST - Lederman has it 8-2 for Klitschko. Good right from Klitschko. More clinches from a tired Ibragimov. Klitschko seems content with just winning and not knocking out Ibragimov. This is why many boxing fans don't like Klitschko. Heavyweights should at least try to win by KO. As I write that, Klitschko lands a huge right which staggers Ibragimov. Bell saves him from further punishment and likely knockdown. Klitschko 10-9.
11:25pm EST - Manny Steward just implored Wladimir to throw more punches and go for knock out. That said, Wlad only throws jabs through first half of last round. Ibragimov with a desperate flurry. Boos from the crowd as the fight ends. Klitschko 10-9.
Dickie LaGoGo has it 9-3 (117-111) for Klitschko. Lederman has it 10-2 (118-110).
11:30pm EST - And we go to the judges cards: 119-110, 117-111, 118-110 all for Wladimir Klitschko...
11:33pm EST - Meanwhile, Larry Merchant just rushed the ring and threw a Tanqueray and tonic on Max Kellerman during his post-fight interview with Klitschko. It appears that Merchant has his pants on backwards. He grabs the microphone and stares into camera and says, "I...think...my...heart...just...stopped."
Wow, I can't wait for Vlar's commentary...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Taylor / Pavlik fight Analysis by Legendary Vlar Blunderbuchle
( Editors Note: The following transcript is a word for word re-type of a handwritten document mailed to our offices by legendary Belarusian Heavyweight, Vlar Blunderbuchle. From 1955 until his incarceration in the Ukraine in the early 80’s, Blunderbuchle traveled throughout Soviet Union as a club fighter, his ring prowess taking on legendary status. By some accounts, Blunderbuchle never lost a “straight” match, his only 2 losses coming in “gimmick” matches ( one paired him against 3 men, another against 2 men while in chains ). Russian sports historians have estimated over 720 victories against the 2 gimmick losses. In 1981, a drunken Blunderbuchle was jailed for stealing a mule from a farmer outside of Minsk. The police report stated that he was carrying the mule under his arm at the time of his arrest.
Now a free man, and a character as colorful and vibrant as ever, we approached Vlar and invited him to add his commentary to “Round By Round” )
….Greeting
Sorry late correspondence by paper, as cannot seemed to find personal computer to do as your “blog” you speak to. Unfortunately, I also unable to find latest fight “Pavlik / Taylor” on television set.. Searched all channels on night you suggest.. nothing.. So as I cannot provide a round for round viewpoint, as I not see any of rounds.
I did read about fight in Daily Respublika, so it was good ?
I basis my thoughts on post fight remark of both fighter. A Pavlik seem very confident. Very , very confident. A Taylor seems upset but understand decision. My opinion is Pavlik win based on these.
A thought on future of boxing: more emphasis to be put on training and lifting of weights. Pictures of both fighter seem fragile and not as strong fighters. A Pavlik smile around too much in pictures to be too happy. To advance better in fighting, must be less happy.. Way of doing this can be to heavy drinks and no touching of girls for long times. If a Pavlik can get less happy, better champion of all time.
Please resend my instructions on “blog” and I find lost personal computer for next fights.
Your Truly
Vlar Blunderbuchle
Mogilev,Belarus
Now a free man, and a character as colorful and vibrant as ever, we approached Vlar and invited him to add his commentary to “Round By Round” )
….Greeting
Sorry late correspondence by paper, as cannot seemed to find personal computer to do as your “blog” you speak to. Unfortunately, I also unable to find latest fight “Pavlik / Taylor” on television set.. Searched all channels on night you suggest.. nothing.. So as I cannot provide a round for round viewpoint, as I not see any of rounds.
I did read about fight in Daily Respublika, so it was good ?
I basis my thoughts on post fight remark of both fighter. A Pavlik seem very confident. Very , very confident. A Taylor seems upset but understand decision. My opinion is Pavlik win based on these.
A thought on future of boxing: more emphasis to be put on training and lifting of weights. Pictures of both fighter seem fragile and not as strong fighters. A Pavlik smile around too much in pictures to be too happy. To advance better in fighting, must be less happy.. Way of doing this can be to heavy drinks and no touching of girls for long times. If a Pavlik can get less happy, better champion of all time.
Please resend my instructions on “blog” and I find lost personal computer for next fights.
Your Truly
Vlar Blunderbuchle
Mogilev,Belarus
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Pavlik Taylor II - Round by Round
11:09EST - Larry Merchant is staring at the camera and reciting bad poetry. Lampley kicks it up to Michael Buffer for the National Anthem from Airamis, who looks like MC Hammer with diabetes.
11:12EST - Tale of the tape shows Pavlik fighting at 169 and Taylor fighting at 171. I'm currently at 186 with a stack full of Nilla Wafers next to me.
11:15EST - Crowd booing Taylor upon entrance. Similar to first fight in AC. Youngstown apparently is again in the house. He looks a little nervous.
11:17EST - Pavlik walks to the ring. He may have a fat lip already. Crowd definitely pro-Pavlik. Both fighters have terrible robes. Very mid-80's wrestling star for both. Pavlik might have stolen his robe from Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.
11:19EST - Buffer doing his spiel. Ref is Tony Weeks. I think Taylor just handed him a wad of twenties. Judges look crooked. I'm predicting a screwjob.
11:21EST - Jermain is announced. He rubs his feet back and forth like a dog covering up a bone. This thing is definitely fixed.
11:22EST - Pavlik is announced. I think he mouths "I'm a drip" to the camera.
11:23EST - Merchant with more bad poetry.
11:23EST - Its on. Crowd behind Pavlik. Lots of measuring. Big jab for Pavlik. Taylor looks dry. Good jabs from Taylor. Pavlik covers up high. Taylor getting best of exchanges. Good right from Pavlik. Crowd cheers every punch from Pavlik regardless of accuracy. Pavlik landed more power punches in round but Taylor landed more jabs. Taylor 10-9.
11:25EST - Lederman had Round 1 for Pavlik. I feel even better about giving it to Taylor now. Handsome woman in first row keeps on clapping and distracting me. Taylor jabs his way through first round. Big punches (not really landing) from Taylor. Pavlik looks confident. Big right from Taylor. Doesn't seem to slow him down. Taylor winning exhanges. Taylor seems quicker to the punch. Taylor 10-9. Bring it on, Lederman.
11:28EST - In Taylor's corner, Ozell Nelson seems afraid to talk. Interesting. Lederman has it 1-1. Pavlik trying to find range with his left jab/right combo. Good combo from Taylor. Hard right from Taylor. Taylor seems sharper than first fight. Much more patient. Taylor continues to get best of exchanges. I find myself agreeing with Larry Merchant. Kill me. Taylor 10-9
11:33EST - Lederman has it 2-1 Taylor. Pavlik comes up with more urgency. Taylor moving well. Pavlik stalks with little success. Taylor not getting backed up to ropes. Moving around Pavlik. Good jabs from Taylor. Definitely Taylor's round. Skill beats heart. Taylor 10-9.
11:36EST - Jack Lowe in Pavlik's corner sounds nervous (probably pissed that he didn't do more public appearances to cash in on first win). Lederman has it 3-1 and he just strangled a hooker. Taylor looks very confident. Pavlik continues trying to measure Taylor with jabs followed by right hand. Big right from Taylor that Pavlik shakes off. Lampley just punched his girlfriend. Good straight right from Pavlik. Taylor's nose is bleeding. It could be the altitude though. Taylor continues to be sharper than Pavlik. Taylor 10-9.
11:40EST - Lederman has it 3-2 for Taylor. He freebased coke in between rounds. Taylor staying away. Pavlik's hands seem lower. Big right inside from Taylor. Good body shots from Taylor surprised Pavlik. Pavlik is much busier than Taylor in this round but not many have landed. Pavlik 10-9.
11:44EST - I think Ozell Nelson is reading Jermain a bus schedule. Lederman has it 4-2 for Taylor. Poet laureate Merchant has... the... fight.....even. Crowd trying to rally Pavlik. Left jab landing for Taylor. Pavlik is gaining momentum. Talor seems to be slowing down. Female judge seems to be squinting a lot. That can't be good. Pavlik 10-9.
11:48EST - Jack Lowe is cursing at Pavlik. Good stuff. Taylor seems a little tired. Pavlik seems poised to pounce. Blood from Pavlik's nose. Taylor playing good defense. Big right from Taylor. Close round. I'm giving it to....Taylor 10-9.
11:52EST - Lederman has it even. Pavlik told his handlers that he's "all ears" when they were chirping advice. Jermain had Ozell pick up a calzone for him in between rounds. Both fighters' hands seem lower. Defense may be slipping. Taylor lands good power punches. Pavlik continues to move forward. Good jab from Taylor. Taylor 10-9.
11:56EST - Pavlik giggling in his corner with the spit-man. I'm not kidding. Jack Lowe pleading with him to get serious. Lederman has it 5-4 for Pavlik. Merchant has it 6-3 for Pavlik. HBO commentators seem to be pushing for Pavlik. More marketable? Hard combo from Taylor. Close round. Taylor looks fresher. He's landing first. Taylor 10-9.
12:00EST - Ozell Nelson just tried to sell Jermain some old magazines. Good body shots from Taylor. Pavlik can't get into rhythm. First clinch of fight. Somewhere, Bonecrusher Smith is smiling. Taylor continues to get off first. Good combo from Pavlik. Taylor may be hurt. 10-9 Pavlik.
12:04ESt - Both corners imploring their guys that they NEED this round. Lederman has it 6-5 for Pavlik. Both throwing big punches. taylor looks tired. Taylor's right eye is swollen. Pavlik seems to have more of sense of urgency. Taylor backs away. Pavlik lowering his defense to try to deliver big punches. Taylor playing more defense. He's either tired or thinks he's ahead. Good jab from Pavlik. Good right from Pavlik. Taylor coming back. That's it. Pavlik 10-9.
I've got it 8-4 for Taylor. Lederman has it 7-5 for Pavlik. Merchant has it 8-4 for Pavlik. Let's see what the real judges (read "crooks") have it....
And the judges have it 117-111, 115-113 and 116-112 all for the winner Kelly Pavlik....
11:12EST - Tale of the tape shows Pavlik fighting at 169 and Taylor fighting at 171. I'm currently at 186 with a stack full of Nilla Wafers next to me.
11:15EST - Crowd booing Taylor upon entrance. Similar to first fight in AC. Youngstown apparently is again in the house. He looks a little nervous.
11:17EST - Pavlik walks to the ring. He may have a fat lip already. Crowd definitely pro-Pavlik. Both fighters have terrible robes. Very mid-80's wrestling star for both. Pavlik might have stolen his robe from Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.
11:19EST - Buffer doing his spiel. Ref is Tony Weeks. I think Taylor just handed him a wad of twenties. Judges look crooked. I'm predicting a screwjob.
11:21EST - Jermain is announced. He rubs his feet back and forth like a dog covering up a bone. This thing is definitely fixed.
11:22EST - Pavlik is announced. I think he mouths "I'm a drip" to the camera.
11:23EST - Merchant with more bad poetry.
11:23EST - Its on. Crowd behind Pavlik. Lots of measuring. Big jab for Pavlik. Taylor looks dry. Good jabs from Taylor. Pavlik covers up high. Taylor getting best of exchanges. Good right from Pavlik. Crowd cheers every punch from Pavlik regardless of accuracy. Pavlik landed more power punches in round but Taylor landed more jabs. Taylor 10-9.
11:25EST - Lederman had Round 1 for Pavlik. I feel even better about giving it to Taylor now. Handsome woman in first row keeps on clapping and distracting me. Taylor jabs his way through first round. Big punches (not really landing) from Taylor. Pavlik looks confident. Big right from Taylor. Doesn't seem to slow him down. Taylor winning exhanges. Taylor seems quicker to the punch. Taylor 10-9. Bring it on, Lederman.
11:28EST - In Taylor's corner, Ozell Nelson seems afraid to talk. Interesting. Lederman has it 1-1. Pavlik trying to find range with his left jab/right combo. Good combo from Taylor. Hard right from Taylor. Taylor seems sharper than first fight. Much more patient. Taylor continues to get best of exchanges. I find myself agreeing with Larry Merchant. Kill me. Taylor 10-9
11:33EST - Lederman has it 2-1 Taylor. Pavlik comes up with more urgency. Taylor moving well. Pavlik stalks with little success. Taylor not getting backed up to ropes. Moving around Pavlik. Good jabs from Taylor. Definitely Taylor's round. Skill beats heart. Taylor 10-9.
11:36EST - Jack Lowe in Pavlik's corner sounds nervous (probably pissed that he didn't do more public appearances to cash in on first win). Lederman has it 3-1 and he just strangled a hooker. Taylor looks very confident. Pavlik continues trying to measure Taylor with jabs followed by right hand. Big right from Taylor that Pavlik shakes off. Lampley just punched his girlfriend. Good straight right from Pavlik. Taylor's nose is bleeding. It could be the altitude though. Taylor continues to be sharper than Pavlik. Taylor 10-9.
11:40EST - Lederman has it 3-2 for Taylor. He freebased coke in between rounds. Taylor staying away. Pavlik's hands seem lower. Big right inside from Taylor. Good body shots from Taylor surprised Pavlik. Pavlik is much busier than Taylor in this round but not many have landed. Pavlik 10-9.
11:44EST - I think Ozell Nelson is reading Jermain a bus schedule. Lederman has it 4-2 for Taylor. Poet laureate Merchant has... the... fight.....even. Crowd trying to rally Pavlik. Left jab landing for Taylor. Pavlik is gaining momentum. Talor seems to be slowing down. Female judge seems to be squinting a lot. That can't be good. Pavlik 10-9.
11:48EST - Jack Lowe is cursing at Pavlik. Good stuff. Taylor seems a little tired. Pavlik seems poised to pounce. Blood from Pavlik's nose. Taylor playing good defense. Big right from Taylor. Close round. I'm giving it to....Taylor 10-9.
11:52EST - Lederman has it even. Pavlik told his handlers that he's "all ears" when they were chirping advice. Jermain had Ozell pick up a calzone for him in between rounds. Both fighters' hands seem lower. Defense may be slipping. Taylor lands good power punches. Pavlik continues to move forward. Good jab from Taylor. Taylor 10-9.
11:56EST - Pavlik giggling in his corner with the spit-man. I'm not kidding. Jack Lowe pleading with him to get serious. Lederman has it 5-4 for Pavlik. Merchant has it 6-3 for Pavlik. HBO commentators seem to be pushing for Pavlik. More marketable? Hard combo from Taylor. Close round. Taylor looks fresher. He's landing first. Taylor 10-9.
12:00EST - Ozell Nelson just tried to sell Jermain some old magazines. Good body shots from Taylor. Pavlik can't get into rhythm. First clinch of fight. Somewhere, Bonecrusher Smith is smiling. Taylor continues to get off first. Good combo from Pavlik. Taylor may be hurt. 10-9 Pavlik.
12:04ESt - Both corners imploring their guys that they NEED this round. Lederman has it 6-5 for Pavlik. Both throwing big punches. taylor looks tired. Taylor's right eye is swollen. Pavlik seems to have more of sense of urgency. Taylor backs away. Pavlik lowering his defense to try to deliver big punches. Taylor playing more defense. He's either tired or thinks he's ahead. Good jab from Pavlik. Good right from Pavlik. Taylor coming back. That's it. Pavlik 10-9.
I've got it 8-4 for Taylor. Lederman has it 7-5 for Pavlik. Merchant has it 8-4 for Pavlik. Let's see what the real judges (read "crooks") have it....
And the judges have it 117-111, 115-113 and 116-112 all for the winner Kelly Pavlik....
Friday, February 15, 2008
Pavlik-Taylor
I should call this blog "Well I Couldn't Have Been More Wrong..." Because I am about to give a PREDICTION ON PAVLIK-TAYLOR II.
A Middleweight slug fest that should produce a fight of the year candidate... unless of course Pavlik knocks him unconsious again and we ask ourselves, "Why did I just pay for that?"The hype comes from the question- Is Jermain Taylor the same fighter he once was? Taylor stumbled through recent fights even apologizing to fans at one point for poor performances. His work rate dropped and he looked sloppy. Pavlik was young and hungry and looking to make a name for himself. The only problem was that Pavlik has the charisma of a wet fart...an Ohio steel town wet fart I guess. I haven't even seen him on TV since his win and in all his training montages he has the same silly half-smirk have half-scowl that frankly confuses me. In the immortal words of Phil Hartman as Frank Sinatra, "Stop sneerin' at the crowd!" Taylor was flashy and disinterested and Pavlik was the hope from the ghetto. Sound familar? It should. It's the second 30 minutes of Rocky III. Clubber Lang mauled Rocky and everyone was impressed. So Pavlik mauls Taylor and now he's the man. Taylor has rejuvenated his training, dumped Hall of Fame trainer Manny Steward for some guy from his amateur days and ...if I'm to believe a tearful Jim Lampley (And I very often do) Taylor has found his greatest win in his only loss. He has won back his fans. Well his fans won't be the ones taking smashing right hands to the face so I think the lovefest ends when the bell goes ding! Taylor is talented and he will no doubt try to box Pavlik early and frustrate him...as if robots felt frustration. But Pavlik knocked Taylor out and Taylor almost knocked Pavlik out early. So he knows he can knock out Pavlik, but he'll be told to box him. Manny Steward said that when Taylor gets in the ring he turns to instinct not teaching. Taylor will not be able to live with himself with a dance around 12 round decision. His fans want a KO, he wants a KO and he knows he can do it. Jermaine, after all, wants to remain germane.
Eventually Taylor will slug it out with Pavlik who has a harder head and a better chin. Pavlik with a late round TKO. He'll weather flurries early and deliver bombs late. Pavlik 9th rd TKO
A Middleweight slug fest that should produce a fight of the year candidate... unless of course Pavlik knocks him unconsious again and we ask ourselves, "Why did I just pay for that?"The hype comes from the question- Is Jermain Taylor the same fighter he once was? Taylor stumbled through recent fights even apologizing to fans at one point for poor performances. His work rate dropped and he looked sloppy. Pavlik was young and hungry and looking to make a name for himself. The only problem was that Pavlik has the charisma of a wet fart...an Ohio steel town wet fart I guess. I haven't even seen him on TV since his win and in all his training montages he has the same silly half-smirk have half-scowl that frankly confuses me. In the immortal words of Phil Hartman as Frank Sinatra, "Stop sneerin' at the crowd!" Taylor was flashy and disinterested and Pavlik was the hope from the ghetto. Sound familar? It should. It's the second 30 minutes of Rocky III. Clubber Lang mauled Rocky and everyone was impressed. So Pavlik mauls Taylor and now he's the man. Taylor has rejuvenated his training, dumped Hall of Fame trainer Manny Steward for some guy from his amateur days and ...if I'm to believe a tearful Jim Lampley (And I very often do) Taylor has found his greatest win in his only loss. He has won back his fans. Well his fans won't be the ones taking smashing right hands to the face so I think the lovefest ends when the bell goes ding! Taylor is talented and he will no doubt try to box Pavlik early and frustrate him...as if robots felt frustration. But Pavlik knocked Taylor out and Taylor almost knocked Pavlik out early. So he knows he can knock out Pavlik, but he'll be told to box him. Manny Steward said that when Taylor gets in the ring he turns to instinct not teaching. Taylor will not be able to live with himself with a dance around 12 round decision. His fans want a KO, he wants a KO and he knows he can do it. Jermaine, after all, wants to remain germane.
Eventually Taylor will slug it out with Pavlik who has a harder head and a better chin. Pavlik with a late round TKO. He'll weather flurries early and deliver bombs late. Pavlik 9th rd TKO
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Predictions for the fight
First off, I'm going to call Ibragimov "Gerry Cooney" because I can pronounce that name better. Klitschko will be referred to as the "The Russian Fella".
That being said, I like the Russian Fellas chances here. He's big, has experience with this "boxing" thing and apparently has won several matches in the past. Cooney also has an impressive record but I think my distaste for him will allow me to safely predict that he will lose in the third inning.
I also have it on good authority that he is gay.
That being said, I like the Russian Fellas chances here. He's big, has experience with this "boxing" thing and apparently has won several matches in the past. Cooney also has an impressive record but I think my distaste for him will allow me to safely predict that he will lose in the third inning.
I also have it on good authority that he is gay.
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