RINGSIDE SEAT Joe Scalzo’s blog

First round: The fight began at 11:40. Both fighters were reluctant to engage at first, feeling each other out. Things got a little spicier in the latter part of the round, but neither fighter had much of an advantage.

Second round: This round was more intense. Hopkins landed a few nice punches and danced out of much of Pavlik’s punches. Kelly got into a little bit of trouble midway through the round. Hopkins landed a right flush but rebounded. Pavlik landed a nice right toward the end. I’d give the round to Hopkins.

Third round: Pavlik looks sluggish and tight and his punches don’t have much snap. Hopkins has controlled the fight through three rounds, and neither fighter seems to have a ton of energy. I think Hopkins may have won that round, too.

Fourth round: Hopkins has really shown good defense through the fight so far. He’s got Pavlik’s timing messed up and Pavlik has punched air on a few occasions. He needs to dictate the pace more and be more physical. Hopkins is dictating the fight so far. I got him leading Pavik 4-0, but he collapsed on the stool after the round. Pavlik needs to wear him out.

Fifth round: Pavlik looked better than he has so far. He’s showing some life. He gets the round and maybe some momentum. Still, he doesn’t seem as strong and as powerful at 170 pounds. I’m not sure if it’s the weight or something else, but he hasn’t looked like the same fighter so far.

Sixth round: Hopkins is fighting dirty but he’s landing some good shots. Pavlik is more active but he isn’t landing much. The straight right hands — his bread and butter — aren’t finding Hopkins. So far, not good.

Seventh round: More of the same. Hopkins looks faster, savvier and sharper. Pavlik doesn’t look strong at this weight. Hopkins is throwing combinations and hurting Pavlik. He actually wound up and hit Pavlik with a right at one point. He’s got no energy and right now, he might not make it 12 rounds. Hopkins gets the round and he’s in control. He might have a 6-1 lead at this point. At worst, he’s up 5-2.

Eighth round: The referee deducted a point for Pavlik hitting Hopkins behind the ear. They traded blows midway through the round but Pavlik simply can’t time up Hopkins and he can’t gauge the distance. Round to Hopkins.

Ninth round: Hopkins got deducted a point for holding, but Pavlik looks spent. He’s bleeding and he’s got no energy.

10th round: Hopkins is 17 years older, but he’s the fresher fighter. He’s dictated the fight throughout, and every time Pavlik throws something good, Hopkins counters with something better.

11th round: No change. Pavlik is just trying to hang on for a losing decision and avoid getting knocked out.

12th round: Kelly got in big trouble and narrowly avoided a knockdown. This was a clinic by Hopkins. The chants of “Kelly, Kelly” made no impact. It’s all over but the shouting.

-By Joe Scalzo