Russian trainer Artem Bera, who used to work with heavyweight Sergei Pavlovich, shared his expectations for the Russian fighter's bout with American Curtis Blaydes in an interview with Telecomasia.net.
"I don't think Blaydes can only hope for a lucky punch. He's improved his jab and knows how to use his distance, he works well with his front hand and tries to read his opponent. In the fight with Chris Daukaus, for example, he landed a precise counterpunch between the hands, and in the fight with Aspinall, even in that little episode, you could see what Curtis has been working on and how he's met Tom. He has good wrestling. I don't know why he's been using it less and less in his last few fights. Of course, he makes some mistakes, like moving his hands back the wrong way, and others," said Bera.
I hope Sergei will use those mistakes against him. I suppose Blaydes is afraid of getting knocked out again, it's very common with fighters who have gone into a deep sleep. They have to work with specialists and if he hasn't done that, you will see the fear and the over caution in his fight. He will wrestle as soon as he gets a chance because he understands the power of Sergei's punch. I don't see any similarity between Blaydes and Pavlovich's previous opponents. I don't think Derrick Lewis or Tai Tuivasa were real challenges for Sergei. Blaydes will be his first real test. Sergei will get a striking victory, this fight is really worth watching.
Artem Bera exclusively for Telecomasia.net
"My guess is that Sergei will be kept away from the title for now. He may have to fight Gane, the loser of Jones vs. Miocic, if they don't end their careers sooner. Later on Aspinall will be back and he might also get in the race because the last fight was a mess. Actually it would be good if Sergei got a title shot after his win over Blaydes, but it's too early to think about that, we have to pay all our attention," said Bera.
Recall that Sergei Pavlovich will fight against Curtis Blaydes on April 22 in Las Vegas. Last December, Sergei defeated Tai Tuivasa by TKO in the first round. The Russian has 17 wins and one loss.