Fortunes may shift in boxing rematch of Pavlik, Taylor

Favored in his first fight with Kelly Pavlik some five months ago, Jermain Taylor is now the underdog entering the rematch tonight in Las Vegas.

Vegasinsider.com lists Taylor, who suffered his first loss to Pavlik in a technical knockout in the seventh round last September, at +155, meaning a bettor would bet $100 to win $155 on the Arkansas native.

Pavlik, who is undefeated in 32 bouts, is -185, so a player would wager $185 to win $100.

Of course, other proposition bets are being offered on the middleweight fight. The prop round number is 10 1/2 . If somebody believes the fight will last longer than that -- it is scheduled for 12 rounds -- they would bet $100 to win $145. Somebody who thinks it won’t last that long would wager $185 to win $100.

Given the history of the two fighters, it is easy to see why under 10 1/2 is the favorite. Pavlik’s average bout has lasted 3 1/2 rounds compared to 6.4 for Taylor. A Taylor win by decision is 4-1, which is the same price offered if he wins by knockout, TKO or disqualification. A Pavlik win by decision is 5-1 while a KO, TKO and disqualification are all 4-5.

Those who believe the fight will end in a draw would be rewarded at odds of 15-1.

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College basketball

Purdue, the hottest team in the Big Ten Conference, should stay that way after it visits Northwestern today.

The Boilermakers, who have won 10 in a row to take over the conference lead at 11-1, should have little trouble with the Wildcats, who are 0-11 in the Big Ten.

During its streak, Purdue has covered the spread in nine of the 10 wins, and Northwestern has failed to cover in seven of its conference losses.

However, Northwestern has split its last four games with Purdue. The Wildcats were swept by the Boilermakers last season but both won games against Purdue during the 2005-06 season.

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bob.mieszerski@latimes.com