By Amy Green

 

Enzo Calzaghe harped on Kelly Pavlik’s (34-0) style and skill during the war of words between he and Pavlik trainer Jack Loew, describing Kelly Pavlik as "mechanical" in the weeks leading up to his Atlantic City fight with Gary Lockett. Lockett (30-2), on a six year win streak, was thought to be a sturdy, suitable opponent for Pavlik. But it turned out, obviously the man was no match for the machine.

 

Performing like a well oiled machine, Kelly Pavlik dropped Gary Lockett three times during three rounds before Enzo Calzaghe mercifully threw in the towel and referee Eddie Cotton called a halt to the bout at 1:40 in the final round.

 

Pavlik rose to the occasion after two tough back to back fights with Jermain Taylor, displaying poise, power and accuracy en route to successfully defending his WBC and WBO middleweight titles.

 

Between rounds, Jack Loew needed to offer little instruction to Pavlik. Trainer of the year Calzaghe’s instruction, however, bordered on the profane. After round two, with Lockett dazed and bloody, Enzo screamed "you’re not throwing back fuck all!" before sending him back to the center of the ring for an abbreviated third round.

 

Post fight with HBO’s Max Kellerman, Pavlik gave Lockett credit for being a dangerous fighter, and as always thanked his fans and God for his success and endearingly greeted his mother and daughter. As to who he will face next, Pavlik deferred to manager Cameron Dunkin and his Top Rank promotional team as the decision-makers.

 

The third round TKO of Lockett at Pavlik’s heavy hands also signaled a victory for Jack Loew, who gave as good as he got while verbally sparring with Enzo Calzaghe before the fight. With Pavlik handily defending his titles, Loew certainly has the right to say he IS a trainer of champions, not merely a driveway paver, as Calzaghe grew fond of saying.

 

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