Arum Says Kelly Pavlik Could Fight On Pac-Man-Margarito Card – Will “The Ghost” Fight At 160, Or Will He Make The Move To 168?

By James Slater – There seems to be a very good chance former middleweight king Kelly Pavlik will fight again, for the first time since his tough and bloody points loss to Sergio Gabriel Martinez, on the under-card of the recently-made-official Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito fight in Texas.

Promoter Bob Arum has said the inclusion of Youngstown’s finest is a possibility, and for what it’s worth Boxrec.com have “The Ghost” down as facing a TBA on Nov. 13th. Hopefully, on a card that is sure to be met with a ton of controversy (for quite obvious reasons), this honest, hardworking and exciting warrior will indeed fight, so as to remind us all what is so great about the sport of boxing..

For win lose or draw, Kelly Pavlik always gives his best, he always prides himself on pleasing his fans and never in a million years would Pavlik consider cheating (which, as we sadly know, is more than can be said of one big name in particular). It will be good to see Kelly back in action before the year is out. But who will Pavlik face, and at what weight will the former champ box at?

Immediately after his April loss to Argentine southpaw Martinez – who beat him by scores of 115-112, 115-111 and 116-111 – Pavlik said he would be using the rematch clause he had. Later on, however, it seemed as though the 28-year-old had changed his mind. The move up to 168-pound was publicly discussed, and the move made sense; Pavlik, after all, has for a long time had a tough job making 160. But then we heard how Kelly had had another change of heart and was planning on staying at middleweight after all. We will find out (most likely) on Nov. 13th what decision the now 36-2(32) warrior has finally settled on.

As for his opponent, Pavlik has quite a few recognisable names he could choose from; at either weight. Still a huge star and a fighter who a win over would be a massive step up in the world for a whole load of good fighters, Pavlik could pretty much choose any contender he wanted to. The name of John Duddy instantly springs to mind as a potential 160-pound foe. Back a couple of years ago, the exciting, wears-his-heart-on-his-sleeve Irishman was seriously considered as a title challenger for Pavlik. Eventually, Duddy was deemed too hittable and not quite worthy of a world title shot, but now, as a comeback opponent for Pavlik, why not?

One other name that may be in the frame for being Pavlik’s November dance partner is that of Peter Manfredo Junior, who has wanted a big fight, with either Pavlik or one of the middleweight belt holders, for some time. At one point, it was even suggested that Julio Cesar Chavez Junior would be facing Pavlik this year. That won’t be happening, but hopefully Pavlik WILL be added to the big show set to take place at Dallas Cowboys stadium.