Analysis of Jay's Team: The Hitmen

The Hitmen started their boxing team with perhaps the most popular American fighter in the game today, Kelly Pavlik. Pavlik has proven himself to be the real deal with impressive victories over Edison Miranda and Jermain Taylor. Pavlik showed that he could both outbox and outslug Taylor, establishing himself as one of the best in the sport. After all, Jermain Taylor outboxed (or more like outhustled) the great Bernard Hopkins and was undefeated before facing Pavlik.
Pavlik's biggest downfall is probably his bravery. Both in his style of fighting and in his match-making decisions. Pavlik faces Bernard Hopkins on October 18th in a fight that most are picking him to win. However, Hopkins can be difficult to hit and still throws crisp right hands, which may give Pavlik problems if he's not landing his own thunder. Pavlik looks strong, but his questionable defense makes him somewhat vulnerable.

Next, the Hitmen selected "The Hitman" Ricky Hatton. No offense to the O.G. hitman Thomas Hearns, perhaps Hatton should be referred to as Hitman Vanilla. Following his loss to Mayweather, Ricky Hatton returned to the ring with a solid win over tough Juan Lazcano. Hatton's biggest strengths are his heart, his aggression and his hard body punches. However, he is extremely hittable and prone to cuts, so he's never really safe going into a fight. Hatton's next fight is against the light-hitting, fast Paulie Malignaggi. Hatton will need a high workrate to win the fight. Unless he catches Malignaggi with some of his big shots, Hatton may be in for a long night of pitty-pat combinations to the dome.

For their third pick, the Hitmen chose Nikolay Valuev, the 7-foot, 320 pound Russian giant. Valuev's 48-1 record is impressive, and given that his only loss was by 2 points to undefeated WBA Champ Ruslan Chagaev, Nikolay has never really been exposed or beat up. His next fight against John Ruiz figures to allow him another chance to win a decision against a quality fighter. Valuev will likely fare well against any opponents other than Wladimir Klitschko or Samuel Peter, who just might have the thunder to knock the big man down. Given Valuev's probable future fights: Ruiz, Chagaev....he looks safe.

With their final selection in the draft, the Hitmen chose Dominican sensation Joan Guzman. Guzman has impressively outpointed both Jorge Barrios and Humberto Soto and established himself as one of the best at 130 pounds. As he moves up to 135 to challenge Nate Campbell, Guzman will have to dig deep to outpunch one of the toughest guys in the business. His youth and energy should give him an edge over Campbell and should make him a favorite against any fighter other than Pacquiao or Marquez.