By Mark Vester
WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs) told the NY Post that a potential bout between him and unbeaten John Duddy (21-0, 16KOs) is good for the sport because of their exciting styles.
"That would be a good fight," Pavlik said. "He's a tough kid who can punch. It would be a good fight for boxing."
The target date for the fight is January 26 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In a recent coversation with BoxingScene.com, Eddie McLoughlin, president of Irish Ropes and promoter of Duddy, said although talks are ongoing with Pavlik's promoter Top Rank, nothing can be set until Jermain Taylor decides whether or not he will execute the immediate rematch clause to face Pavlik at a catch-weight of 166-pounds.
Taylor has until October 29 to execute the immediate rematch clause.
"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.”
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