By James Slater – Eager to get back into the ring, former middleweight king Kelly Pavlik, now clean and sober due to that recent stint in rehab, will fight on the under-card of the May 7th Manny Pacquiao-Sugar Shane Mosley showdown in Las Vegas.
Pavlik’s manager, Cameron Dunkin spoke exclusively to Ring Magazine’s web site, revealing that “The Ghost” will face one of three guys. Unbeaten Alfonso Lopez of Texas is the frontrunner at present, but Bryan Vera (who was originally supposed to face Pavlik on November 13th) and Joe Spina are also being considered..
“He’s a big, tough guy,” Dunkin told Ring about Lopez. “I want to watch the tape. If we feel he’s the right opponent and he can make 168, we’ll go with him. If we don’t like what we see, then we’ll revisit other guys we’ve talked about.”
It’s good news that the exciting Pavlik, 36-2(32) will be back in action, and fans are curious to see if he can get back to the top at his new weight of 168-pounds. Though the 28-year-old Lopez, 21-0(16) will be taking a significant step up in class if he lands the fight with Pavlik, he could provide the former champion with some problems. Certainly no easy-looking comeback foe, Lopez has scored a number of quick KO’s.
A pro since March of 2007, “El Tigre” has earned wins over useful men such as Aaron Norwood and Rubin Williams and, as Dunkin said, he is big and tough. Most of Lopez’ fights have taken place at or around the light heavyweight limit, and he may have to work hard to make 168. For such a big opportunity, it’s a good bet Lopez will push himself in the gym.
But would the fans prefer to see Pavlik get it on with the always-exciting Vera instead? Last time out, the former “Contender” upset the odds once again, as he out-pointed Sergio Mora in a fan-friendly affair. Vera has certainly earned a big fight as a result, but will Team-Pavlik feel he is too dangerous for Kelly’s first fight back?
Joe Spina, also mentioned as a possibility, is another natural light-heavy, and he has a good, 26-1-2(18) pro record; the only loss coming by stoppage to Peter Manfredo Junior. The Rhode Island man holds a stoppage win over Jesse Brinkley, and his punching power would make him a live foe for Pavlik.
Of the three men mentioned, I’d prefer to see Pavlik rumble with Vera. Let’s see who Team-Pavlik pick.