Photo credit: Sumio Yamada – By Sam Gregory: In the first round Pavlik lands a couple significant blows that get Rubio’s attention. Pavlik throws a flurry of punches as he backs Rubio into the ropes. Two big right hands stun Rubio as the round ends, clearly a big round for Pavlik.
In round two Pavlik backs Rubio into the ropes with a strong flurry of punches. Several hard rights land for Pavlik; Rubio throws a combination that glances off Pavlik. Another strong round for the champ from Youngstown.
In round three Rubio finally lands a left hook but Pavlik comes right back with a flurry of punches that backs Rubio to the ropes. Rubio lands a left hook but its too little too late, another big round for Pavlik.
Round four begins with Rubio backing into the ropes as Pavlik lands a solid right followed by a three punch combination. Rubio spent most of the round with his back to the ropes; another solid round for Pavlik.
Pavlik starts round five by landing a solid right hand to Rubio’s head. Rubio is again backed into the ropes as Pavlik fires his combinations at will. Rubio did nothing offensively the entire round. Another round in the books for Pavlik.
Round six starts much the same way round five ended, Pavlik taking target practice and landing punches at will. Rubio did land two right hands by the end of the round. Pavlik’s round.
In round seven Pavlik walks Rubio down backing him against the ropes. A flurry of punches and a straight left jab keep Rubio against the ropes until the end of the round. Another round for Pavlik.
Pavlik starts round eight by landing a solid right cross. Rubio lands a lunging right hand. They trade punches but Rubio gets the worst of it. Pavlik flurries to end the round. Rubio survives but he’s taking a beating. Possibly a 10-8 round for Pavlik.
Round nine starts with Pavlik letting his hands go in the center of the ring; Rubio throws a few punches that have little effect on the champion. A straight right and a left hook back Rubio into a corner as Pavlik finishes the round strong.
The fight ends before round ten starts. A very one-sided win for the middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik.
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