LAS VEGAS, Feb 17: Kelly Pavlik used a strong finish to defeat Jermain Taylor for the second time in less than six months, registering a 12-round unanimous decision in a non-title super middleweight fight.

The World Boxing Council and World Boxing Organization middleweight champ Pavlik landed sharper punches, winning on scores of 117-111, 115-113, 116-112.

It was a rematch of their title fight four months ago but this time the middleweight crown was not on the line on Saturday.

Pavlik was contractually obligated to give his fellow American Taylor a rematch after flooring the former undisputed champion in September for the WBC and WBO titles.

Pavlik (33-0) remained undefeated, but was forced to fight into the 10th round for the first time in his career. Taylor (27-2-1), who admitted not being in top shape for the first match, looked sharp and dominated the middle rounds.—AFP