Kelly Pavlik vs. Marco Antonio Rubio in Early 2009

[roujinziro]

2-3 defenses before Abraham is a very wise move. Hopefully in that time they can get him some work against some slick fighters and hopefully work on his movement, a more dynamic defense, and handspeed (though I'm not sure how much you can improve the latter). I know Pavlik earlier said he wanted to retire before 30, but if he truly wants to leave a mark on the sport he should take his time and really develop a more well-rounded approach, so he never experiences another 1-sided defeat like this again, at the expense of getting a big payday.

[Zack Morris]

This is more on Pavlic's skill level. Should be a competitive fight. Pavlic by close decision. Rubio could definitely take him out now that Pavlic has been exposed though.

[KJB]

Pavlik will walk through Rubio, it should cheer him up a bit.

HAHA cheer him up.
Yeah Pavlik will beat the tar out of Rubio, its going to be similar to Gary Lockett. Although I see Rubio making it to the fifth round or so, guy has heart.
Pavlik is, IMO, still the man at 160, but hes gonna have to prove it. Lots of doubts about him will be coming up until he wins another big one.

[Ryn0]

Good way for Pavlik to get back into the ring

[KJB]

Pavlik is a future great that just got a well needed ass whoopin. He will dominate Rubio, and the rest of the middleweight division including Abraham, but he isnt ready for the Calzaghes or any other proven technical boxers. I give him another few years to reach his prime if he can overcome this test.

I agree with you to an extent on this. Part of my thought though is that Pavlik is a MW fighter, the guy that beat him a the other couple that might are all at 168 and up. Its kinda like how Ricky Hatton is/was extremely dominant at 140, but once you add those seven pounds there is a handful of guys that will whoop him.
Stick to 160, there is only one guy at that weight with a decent shot at Kelly, and I dont think that guy has the style to pull it off.

[deanrw]

If it is one thing Pavlik needs right now, it's a confidence building fight. Rubio is a decent fighter, no world beater for sure.

[MANGLER]

Good bounce back fight for Kelly. He could use an easy KO right now.