By Luis Sandoval
Kelly Pavlik is getting ready for the second fight of his comeback trail as he will take on Scott Sigmon on June 8th at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on the eve of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley fight.
Pavlik’s last fight against Aaron Jaco lasted a mere 2 rounds as he had no problem disposing of his opponent in his first fight in nearly a year. That bout was fought at a 170 pound weight limit as Pavlik admitted coming back down to 160 after a layoff would be a gradual adjustment. Kelly appeared on the most recent edition of BoxingScene’s official radio show The Boxing Lab and was asked if 160 was still the goal or if 168 would be his new home.
“It’s hard to say right now. I know my camp and Top Rank are still pretty interested in 160 again. And I am too, don’t get me wrong but I just know after the Martinez fight, what I had to do to make weight [for that fight] was scary. I just think there’s a difference in getting to 160. We might be able to get to 164, 163 but those last 3-4 pounds is a big concern” expressed Pavlik.
A fight most are envisioning is a showdown with Pavlik and WBC Middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. An opportunity like that is one Pavlik would definitely welcome but he informs he would first seek medical advice to make sure he would be able to make the weight in a healthy manner.
“If a big fight opens up at 160 I think I would have to go to a specialist, a doctor where they can take body fat and do tests to see how much I’m going got have to lose. How much I’m going to put my body through before I make that decision. You know there are big fights but I’ve made my money. I’ve done what I have to do and I don’t think it’s worth putting my health on the line to make 160 again if I can’t do it healthy” revealed the Youngstown, OH native.
Fighters struggling to make weight is nothing new but fighters eventually hit a wall where their bodies literally shut down. A prime example is Pavlik’s stable mate Brandon Rios who failed to make the 135 pound Lightweight limit in his last two outings. Even with the help of a nutritionist and proper conditioning, it simply wasn’t enough as he can no longer make the weight without putting his body through extreme torture.
From all accounts, it looks like Pavlik will most likely be campaigning at the 168 and entering one of the deeper and toughest divisions in boxing today.
“As of right now I think 168 is looking more so like it’s going to be my new home. But again, it’s still not out of the question [to fight at 160]. There would just have to be some things we go through before we make that decision”.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007. You can also tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene’s official audio show every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.
