04.07.08 – by James Slater: Middleweight champion of the world Kelly Pavlik is tentatively set to return to the ring in September. So far, however, no opponent has yet been signed. Right now, promoter Bob Arum is reportedly in talks with a number of fighters and their managers to try and get a deal done for “The Ghost’s” next bout. Amazingly, it seems the possibility of a Pavlik-Paul Williams fight has been discussed and such a match-up could take place.
Such a fight is somewhat doubtful, due to Bob Arum and (Williams’ promoter) Dan Goossen being unable to agree monetary terms. Still, should such a fight take place anyway? Sure, “The Punisher” is a tall guy at over 6.0″ and the WBO welterweight champion does struggle to make weight. But move up two division and take on the fierce-punching middleweight champion? First impressions tell me Williams, as talented and brave as he may be, would get taken out quickly.
Really, it is quite astonishing this fight has even been entertained by one promoter, let alone two. Apparently, though, if agreeable terms can be reached by Arum and Goossen the fight could happen on HBO in September – according to a recent article on ESPN.com.
Other fighters in the running for the next shot at Pavlik are reportedly: Winky Wright, Marco Antonio Rubio, John Duddy and the winner of Felix Strum-Randy Griffin II. Wright, however, has also reportedly all but eliminated himself from the sweepstakes by asking for too much cash. What everyone is most anxious to avoid is another quick and easy win for Pavlik, which is precisely what the Youngstown native got last time out Vs. the brave but over-matched Gary Lockett. Who then, of the choices listed above, would make the best opponent for Pavlik’s next bout?
Both Wright and Williams are the biggest names of the bunch, but neither fight looks too likely. Wright would undeniably give Pavlik a very serious argument, perhaps even have a chance at a points win, but the gifted southpaw is simply asking Arum for too much money. The same thing, money-wise, could be said of Williams and his team, but even if an agreement were reached who in their right mind thinks the welterweight would hang around too long against Pavlik?
Basically, it looks like it will be either Rubio, Duddy or either Strum or Griffin. With long shot Sergio Mora ALSO pricing himself out, one of these four lesser known names figures to land the big fight. At the end of the day, it seems there is no shortage of big names out there who want to face Kelly Pavlik; they simply want too much money for the job.