09:17 AM ET  02.20 | The great anticipation surrounding the Kelly Pavlik-Jermain Taylor rematch based itself on the promise of an explosive clash yielding moments of drama, savored so much more because of the legitimacy of the two fighters and the classic nature of their first meeting. The drama of the rematch came not in definitive moments, but was instead sustained throughout a fight that was heightened in tension and respect between the two fighters as well as technical and tactical excellence. There were no knockdowns, but none were needed in order to enjoy two world class middleweights in a war that was sometimes subtle, often gruelling, and laden with quality action.

Taylor's stipulation that the rematch be fought at a catch weight, excluding himself from contention for his old championships, meant that he was fighting to regain his pride in avenging a stoppage loss to his only conqueror. And though it seemed unlikely beforehand, Taylor emerged ready and proceeded to produce a performance of which few believed he was capable. Behind a more solid and reliable defense, Taylor kept himself away from the ropes for almost the entire fight, reducing Pavlik's chances of unleashing the bombs that dispatched Zertuche, Miranda, and of course, Taylor himself. Taylor also made his faster hands work for him by countering the more predictable Pavlik advances, choosing the perfect moments to catch Pavlik behind his guard.

Taylor's improvements were many, and tell that he has much yet to offer. Though one might wonder that as effective as he was, how did Taylor manage to lose the fight?

Of course, there are those who will tell you that he did not. But even though the judges favored Pavlik unanimously by slightly wider margins than a rational eye would allow, the story of Taylor's undoing this time comes from the very place from which it came the last time: Pavlik's heart.

When compared to his efforts over the last two years... (Read the full article here: Pavlik Grinds through Taylor in First Defense)