There's little doubt that the Kelly Pavlik haters will be out in full force today.
This despite the fact that the former middleweight champ easily disposed of Will Rosinsky at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., on Saturday night.
"He couldn't knock out that bum?"
"A fighter like that landed so many punches on Pavlik?"
"He will never be champion again."
If kicking someone when he's down was an Olympic sport, there would be many people from this area booking their tickets to London.
Fact is, Pavlik fought a great tactical fight, showcased some of the things he's been working on, and took another step toward what he hopes is a super middleweight title.
Pavlik won the 10-round, 168-pound bout unanimously. Two judges had Pavlik winning 98-91, while a third had him in front 97-92. The Tribune Chronicle scored it 98-91 for Pavlik.
More than two years since losing the middleweight crown to Sergio Martinez, Pavlik is finally showing the ring demeanor that led him to the title. Pavlik (40-2, 34 KOs) was in total control against Rosinsky (16-2, 9 KOs). Although it was clear from the first round that Rosinsky - despite showing a lot of valor - could never hurt Pavlik, the former champion did exactly what he needed to do. He kept Rosinsky at bay with a strong jab, worked the left hook to the body very efficiently, and scored whenever he needed to.
The only knockdown came midway through the second round when a short right to the head wobbled Rosinsky. While he stayed on his feet, his gloves touched the canvas.
"I got him with a shot that we've been working on in the gym," Pavlik said. "I turned the punch over. It was not really a short right hand but almost like a right hook."
Pavlik claims that he has added to his arsenal since he began working with trainer Robert Garcia. He has worked on an uppercut (which he tried on several occasions) and throwing several jabs in the same sequence (which he still needs to do more).
But the bottom line is that he looked sharp, perhaps sharper than he has looked since holding the title. Yes, it's a bit easier to display your skills set against someone that poses little threat. Yet he appears to be a fighter that keeps improving every time out, much like he was during his first quest for a title and before his personal issues came to light.
"I'm glad he came to fight; it was a good 10-round fight," Pavlik said. "The kid is a very good fighter, very sharp fighter. I'm glad we got the rounds in."
Style points mattered a lot when Pavlik was first coming up through the ranks. He had to be impressive while racking up victories to move up the ladder. These days it's all about the wins.
Regardless of what anyone says, he got another one last night.
Pavlik vs. Rosinsky: Lou Cali's round-by-round
ROUND 1: Rosinsky starts out as the clear aggressor. One minute into the fight, Pavlik has not landed a punch. Rosinsky lands a nice straight right inside and follows with an overhand right. Pavlik straight right with 40 seconds remaining brushes Rosinsky's chin and stuns him a bit.
Tribune Chronicle scoring: Rosinsky 10-9
ROUND 2: Pavlik comes out hard and fast. Jab lands early and is followed by combination. A short right to head wobbles Rosinsky, whose gloves touch the canvas for an official knockdown midway through the round. Rosinsky trying to battle back but it's all Pavlik.
TC: Pavlik 10-8
ROUND 3: Pavlik begins by trying to establish strong jab again but Rosinsky is showing guts despite not landing punches with anything behind them. Pavlik landing jab consistently but not throwing enough of them. Pavlik left hooks to body seem to be available all night.
TC: Pavlik 10-9
ROUND 4: Rosinsky clearly tentative about coming inside at start of round. First clinch of the fight came at 1:23 mark of this round. Pavlik lands solid round after absorbing a combination. Rosinsky must have felt some punches as he's looking to clinch much more. Head butt causes cut above Pavlik's left eye.
TC: Pavlik 10-9
ROUND 5: Rosinsky begins by landing a combo. He appears to be trying to go after Pavlik's eye but is not connecting much as he goes in for punches but is very wary of Pavlik's power. He does land a straight right to eye with a minute remaining. Not nearly as many exchanges in this round but Pavlik clearly landing the better punches.
TC: Pavlik 10-9
ROUND 6: Pavlik fighting a very calculating, technical fight, protecting his eye while still scoring. Rosinsky continues to try to put punches together but a large majority are blocked. Rosinsky lands a nice short right but Pavlik is still coming forward and landing consistently.
TC: Pavlik 10-9
ROUND 7: Rosinsky scores inside but it's clear nothing he throws can hurt Pavlik. Pavlik lands overhand right and follows with a left to body. He then lands a two-punch combination to the head. Pavlik landing at will with all kinds of punches.
TC: Pavlik 10-9
ROUND 8: Fighters in the center of the ring exchanging punches but neither landing much. Rosinsky takes a short right to the head but answers with a couple of combinations. Rosinsky much more active and having his best round of the fight, but it has little effect on his opponent.
TC: Rosinsky 10-9
ROUND 9: Rosinsky begins the round trying to turn it into a brawl, likely knowing he needs a knockout to win. Good exchange near one of the corners. Pavlik still with the superior punches and tactics.
TC: Pavlik 10-9
ROUND 10: Pavlik is landing often early. Rosinsky's will is there but the execution isn't. Pavlik continues to be the aggressor. Pavlik easily wins round by landing nearly every punch in the final minute.
TC: Pavlik 10-9
Total: Pavlik 98-91