Pavlik v Lockett

From The Plain Dealer
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What: Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KOs), Youngstown, vs. Gary Lockett (30-1, 21 KOs), Wales, for Pavlik's WBC/WBO middleweight titles, 12 rounds.

When: Today.

Where: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, N.J.

TV: HBO broadcast of two fights starts at 10:05 p.m. The first is Daniel Ponce DeLeon (34-1, 30 KOs) vs. Juan Manuel Lopez (21-0, 19 KOs) for DeLeon's WBO junior featherweight title, 12 rounds.

A look at Lockett: "The Rocket Man" has not lost since dropping a split decision to Yuri Tsarenko in April 2002. He has won 14 bouts since, including a decision against Tsarenko in 2003. Unlike Pavlik, Lockett's résumé is filled with wins against unheralded fighters. He is being asked to take a huge step up in class. He will have to deal with Pavlik's jab to get inside against the taller man, going to the body to slow him. A counter-puncher, he has to find an opening over Pavlik's sometimes-lazy left and land with a right-left combination. If Lockett cannot move forward, he is in big trouble.

A look at Pavlik: There is no mystery to the champion. He attacks every round, starting with the pace-setting jab to set up the solid right hand. He can throw up to 100 punches per round. Lockett has the tendency to counter and then step back. That looks to be a huge advantage for Pavlik, who has shown he can take a punch and respond in kind. Pavlik has been dropped twice when he lets his left hand slip to his side. He has constantly worked on his defense to avoid the mistake. The champion applies pressure and more pressure. It should work once again to break down and finish the overmatched Lockett.

Joe Maxse's prediction: This should not be considered a stroll on the Boardwalk for Pavlik. Still, he has been in with much tougher, especially during the past year, and holds all the advantages in size, strength, speed and skills. Lockett has the puncher's chance and Pavlik does leave himself open at times. But with bigger bouts and paydays on the horizon, all the advantages point to a Pavlik knockout in three. Tune in early.