Pavlik Sheds Rust, Gets Decision Over Alfonso Lopez...WOODS (Sorta) RINGSIDE

Written by Michael Woods

Saturday, 07 May 2011 21:20

Pavlik_Lopez_110507_001a No, he wasn't super sharp. Pavlik will need more time to regain his touch. (Chris Farina)

It was rust shedding time for comebacking Kelly Pavlik, the ex middleweight champ trying out the super middleweight division, and life as an alcohol free human being.

In a chief support bout to Pacquiao-Mosley at the MGM Grand, Pavlik (age 29; 36-2 entering the ring; from Youngstown, Ohio) took on Alfonso Lopez (age 28; 21-0 with 16 KOs entering), something of a mystery man who lives and fights out of Texas. The 28-year-old Lopez came in with a record built on sort of flimsy material, but didn't look out of place against Pavlik, who had the look of a man who'd had some time away from the ring. That said, Lopez gave a decent account of himself, and made the comebacker work for the win. After ten rounds, the judges saw it 99-91, 98-92, and 95-95. 99-91 seemed about right to TSS. The draw card was turned in by Adalaide Byrd, and no one here seemed to agree with her.

The crowd spent long stretches sitting on their hands, as Pavlik looked to land the left hook, and the right cross on Lopez. Lopez touched the Ohioan at times, with both hands, but the power that took out guys on the way didn't bother Pavlik much. There was ample infighting, with neither man being inclined to dance and work from the outside all that much. In round ten, Pavlik hurt the Texan. But he managed to make it to the final bell.

WOODS ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/#!/Woodsy1069

Comment on this article

ANONY says:

I DIDN'T WATCH THE FIGHT BUT I'M GLAD PAVLIK IS BACK... I just hope he gets to the point that start beating people up again. I have a great idea... he should start beating all those guys from the super six starting with Allan Green. That's a great "tune up" fight. Then Dirrel, Bika and so on. Andre Ward is my favorite AND WILL WIN THE SUPER SIX but if Pavlik beat them all up, then I will root for Pavlik. I just hope he REALLY get into track again as everybody needs a second chance but ain't it kind of sad to have lost the focus and possible millions of dollars while he was drinking around??? GO PAVLIK!!!!

amayseng says:

im a huge pavlik fan

but he is NOT ready for any elite fighter at this point, not that froch is elite

because johnson knocks him out in the tournament

pavlik needs a few more fights to tighten up his d, timing and punching

a sharp and active pavlik knocks out froch in 6

the Roast says:

@amayseng, you are not a Froch fan that is fo sho. I got Froch over Johnson in a good fight because Glen is a hard man. Froch is too fast, slick and awkward for Pavlik. Easy UD. Hey did I ever tell you about the time the Roast met the Ghost? Of course I did.

< Prev		Next >