By Rick Reeno
Reliable sources have advised BoxingScene.com that former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is seriously considering the possibility of staying at 160-pounds. I've heard Pavlik and his team have discussed the possible direction of remaining in the middleweight division.
Back in May, Pavlik waived his option for an immediate rematch with Sergio Martinez. Pavlik's manager, Cameron Dunkin, announced his fighter's decision to move up to super middleweight.Pavlik lost a unanimous decision, and his middleweight titles, to Martinez on April 17 in Atlantic City. Pavlik's had a real struggle making the weight. Reportedly he lost 13-pounds in two days to make the middleweight limit.
Despite the constant struggles, there is one key factor - he still made the weight. Not only did he make the weight for all of his fights, but he made it without a nutritional expert and/or a first class physical conditioning trainer in his camp. I've heard members of his team are considering the option of adding a physical conditioning expert to evaluate if Pavlik is physically capable of making the middleweight limit safely.
The road at super middleweight is not paved with roses. HBO is interested in making a fight between Pavlik and undefeated IBF champion Lucian Bute. The style of Bute is going to present Pavlik with a lot of trouble.
Besides a potential fight with Bute, HBO has no interest in lackluster matches. To get back on the network, Pavlik will have to take a very risky fight. One name I've heard mentioned, that HBO would approve, is Librado Andrade. It's no picnic to fight Andrade. Unless Pavlik is able to hurt or get Andrade's respect in the early rounds, it's going to be a very long night.
If Pavlik is capable of remaining at middleweight, there are several options, which includes a rematch with Sergio Martinez, or potential fights with Paul Williams, Anthony Mundine or even Felix Sturm.
