By Andrew Walker, photo by Naoki Fukuda – WBO-WBC middleweight world champion Kelly Pavlik 34-0-(30) outclassed reigning WBU middleweight champion Gary Lockett 31-2-(21) inside three rounds tonight at the Boardwalk Convention Hall, Atlantic City, USA. Pavlik showed his intentions from the opening bell throwing more punches then the shorter challenger Lockett and looking totally relaxed whilst doing so. To his credit Lockett did not look overawed by the occasion and came to fight and make the most of his opportunity but it quickly became obvious that he was way out of his depth against the champion.
Round two would show the challenger’s limitations at this level more acutely with Lockett taking a knee and a count twice as he succumbed to the greater volume and power of Pavlik but still the gutsy Welshman remained calm and took the full count both times to try and gain some composure before continuing. Lockett survived the second round and on returning to his corner trainer Enzo Calzaghe implored his charge to throw more punches but the usual “bollocking” that Enzo dishes out to his fighters was not forthcoming and you could already see the concern on his face for Lockett..
Round three and Lockett started well but this was short lived as Pavlik got back down to business and once again an accumulation of punches forced the challenger to take a knee and another count. Although Lockett once more rose to his feet, Trainer Enzo Calzaghe had seen enough and threw in the towel just before the referee waved a halt to the fight. Lockett had been brave but ultimately limited at this level but Pavlik was true to his word and had not taken the challenger lightly as some had feared he would do. Pavlik looked devastating against this level of opposition and you have to think that, that was the whole idea of this mandatory defence. And why not? Pavlik deserved this fight after his recent wars and a meeting with Abraham could be up next before a possible super fight with the King of the super middleweight and Ring magazine light heavyweight champion Joe Calzaghe early next year.
Joe Calzaghe would be a different proposition altogether for Kelly Pavlik if the fight did come to fruition but it would not be out of the young Americans reaches to take a victory. Joe is only getting slower and older whilst Pavlik seems to only be getting better. Either way it is a fight that the boxing fans would love to see if it can be made within the next twelve months.
But for tonight Kelly Pavlik deserves the applause for a stunning victory against a brave Gary Lockett who will go back to Wales defeated but contented with his biggest payday to date. I’m sure Enzo will be smarting and plotting revenge over the Pavlik camp but next time he will bring the heavy artillery in the shape of son Joe perhaps?
Here’s hoping.