Gun to my head...
I'd take Taylor, but this one is too close to call.
I have to disagree with you on Taylor getting knocked out. There is almost no chance that will happen.
Taylor's level of competition, to date, is a world apart from Pavlik's. Pavlik's best performance is against Edison Miranda who can, at best, be considered a decent contender. Whereas Taylor has fought a HOF caliber fighter in Hopkins (twice) and a legit world champ in Wright and hasn't even gotten in trouble in either fight.
That being said, I love Pavlik and his intensity and he is definitely an exciting up and comer who will have his first chance on the world stage. Some guys relish an opportunity like this, some guys wilt under the pressure.
Taylor is somewhat disappointing in my opinion. I've watched him closely since his ESPN Friday Night Fight Days and I really like the kid. Great personality, humble, family man...he is a refreshing change from most of ther personalities in boxing.
His athleticism, speed, power and agility are only rivaled by Mayweather in today's boxing. But he hasn't seemed to get much better from the time I first saw him fight. He still gets away from his jab too early, still gets way off balance when he throws combos. At first I thought it was a product of having a trainer from Arkansas who had never trained a world class fighter. But now he has Emmanuel Steward in his corner and I consider him to be on of the top trainers of all time. Yet he hasn't improved much if at all.
Have fun at the fight! I wish I could join you. Drink some beers, get rowdy, and give us a full report when you get back.
