Pavlik Beats Taylor by Unanimous Decision in Rematch

Kelly Pavlik beat Jermain Taylor by unanimous decision on Feb. 16. (AP Images)

Saturday, Feb. 16 in Las Vegas, NV, undefeated middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (33-0, 29 KO's) handed Jermain Taylor (27-2-1, 17 KO's) the second loss of his career, winning a unanimous decision over the former champion.

Scores for the 166-pound, non-title fight were 117-111, 115-113, and 116-112.

Many fans and critics who saw the fight thought the decision should have gone to Taylor, who was more economical with his punches, but stilllanded impressive combinations across the 12-round fight. In the end, however, judges decided that he had not done enough to defeat Pavlik, who came forward constantly stalking his opponent.

Afterwards, Taylor said he thought the fight was closer than the judges saw it.

"My corner thought it was a close fight." he said, adding "I don't want to take anything away from his win. He's the middleweight champion."

Pushed past 9-rounds for the first time in his pro career, Pavlik said he enjoyed the fight - despite taking some stiff jabs from Taylor.

"It felt good for the first time," he explained. "There was definite satisfaction for me and a great learning experience."

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