Kelly Pavlik Q&A: “Anybody Can..”

June 4th, 2008

By Scoop Malinowski

World Middleweight kingpin Kelly Pavlik is looking strong, sharp and tanned on the eve of his first world title defense against Gary Lockett. He spoke to Boxinginsider at New York’s final press conference at Gallagher’s Steakhouse…

Boxinginsider: Is there any way you can lose this fight?

Kelly Pavlik: “Well anybody can always lose, that’s a possibility. But with our training, the way we prepare ourselves for this fight, I mean, it’s gonna take – by some God-given chance it does happen – it’s gonna take a lot out of him. You know what I mean? But the way we trained for this – every bit as hard if not, I think probably harder than the first Taylor fight.”

Boxinginsider: Do you feel at your strongest right now?

Kelly Pavlik: “I mean, this training camp, we went into this, everybody was saying Lockett, he’s unheard of, this is gonna be an easy fight for Pavlik, it’s a tune-up fight. But because nobody’s seen him that’s what everybody’s saying and expecting. But he came to fight. Plus it’s gonna be the best Gary Lockett that anybody’s faced, this is his first shot at the world title. He’s coming in there hungry and we worked hard to get these titles. We ain’t givin’ ‘em up.”

Boxinginsider: What’s his best weapon?

Kelly Pavlik: “He’s got a quick hook. You see it coming. He leads a lot with that hook. So it’s pretty much counter that. And take care of that hook.”

Boxinginsider: Of all your fights, which fight were you at your sharpest, best?

Kelly Pavlik: “Overall, boxing-wise, I’d definitely have to say the last Taylor fight. As far as strength or strong – I’d have to say Miranda or first Taylor fight.”