By Rick Reeno
Earlier today, a report came out in the Ohio Vindicator , stating that WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs) was making the first defense of his title against "Irish" John Duddy (21-0, 16 KOs) on Jan. 26 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Eddie McLoughlin, president of Irish Ropes and promoter of Duddy, told BoxingScene.com that talks are ongoing with Pavlik's promoter Top Rank, but nothing can be set until the situation with Jermain Taylor is sorted out.
"We did talk with (Bob) Arum. Negotiations are still ongoing with us and Top Rank. Taylor is still involved with the fight by association because of the rematch clause. Until that gets resolved we are out. It's not done until Taylor decides what he wants to do. He has 30 days to exercise that clause, which I think ends on October 29. We have to sit it out until then and go ahead with our plans until Taylor makes his decision. We would love to fight Pavlik if everything is right. Right now we are looking to fight again on Dec. 8 in Belfast until some facts and figures come up to offset that. The brass ring is with Pavlik. If that comes, that's the fight we want, but first the situation with Taylor has to be resolved.”
Lou DiBella, promoter of Taylor, informed the site several days ago that Taylor was still undecided as to whether or not he will exercise the option for an immediate rematch with Pavlik or take another fight.
