Kelly Pavlik-John Duddy: Jan. 26 in AC

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The Vindicator of Ohio reports that WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs) will make 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. The fight was originally eyed for Madison Square Garden in March, but there was a conflict due to the NCAA Tournament, and a January Garden date became a problem as Roy Jones Jr. and Felix Trinidad collide at the venue on Jan. 19. [details]

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Pavlik/Duddy All But Official

YOUNGSTOWN — Kelly Pavlik's first title defense will come in a familiar place.

The Youngstown middleweight will defend his WBC title against undefeated Irishman John Duddy on Jan. 26 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., the same place where he won the title last month with a seventh-round knockout against Jermain Taylor.

The fight, which will be televised by HBO, isn't official, but looks very likely, according to several sources.

"It's a solid fight," said Pavlik's trainer, Jack Loew.

"He's [Duddy] a dangerous kid who'll bring a helluva crowd with him."

Duddy, who is originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, and now lives in New York City, is 21-0 with 16 knockouts. He will fight Prince Arron on Saturday in Dublin, which should serve as a tune-up for Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs).

"It looks like it's going to happen," said Duddy's matchmaker, Jim Borzell. "Of course we're delighted. Any time a champion gives a challenger a shot, we're grateful.

"I expect an exciting fight between two of the finest fellas in the division."

Many expected Pavlik's first fight to be against Taylor, who had a rematch clause with Pavlik for a nontitle bout at 166 pounds.

But Taylor's handlers opted not to exercise the clause.

Source: The Vindicator

He could possibly fight four times in '08 assuming he doesn't go thru any major wars.

[Derranged_]

This is great news; Pavlik has just won the mw crown in September and he’s defending it roughly four months later! Pavlik is just what boxing needs right now…

[boxingfan4life]

Pavliks not wasting any time. Thats good. Good luck for Pavlik's first title defense. I believe he will do good.

[AntonTheMeh]

this is gonna be fun while it lasts.pavlik ko 4.

[kayjay]

This is great news; Pavlik has just won the mw crown in September and he’s defending it roughly four months later! Pavlik is just what boxing needs right now…

It's acceptable news. Great? That he's fighting a no-hoper? Does 'boxing' need that? Don't start talking like kball now, thinking you can speak for 'boxing'. I want the best possible fights, and this isn't close to it.

[pesticid]

Who thinks Duddy is a harder puncher than Taylor?
Pavlik is vulnerable early.

[pesticid]

Well what other middleweights are out there? Abraham, Sturm, Duddy and Sergio or these are the names that the casual fan can relate to.

[pesticid]

Miranda, Taylor, Wright, Hopkins. They all left the goddamn division. Ouma too.

[BrooklynBomber]

It's acceptable news. Great? That he's fighting a no-hoper? Does 'boxing' need that? Don't start talking like kball now, thinking you can speak for 'boxing'. I want the best possible fights, and this isn't close to it.

I think that bum of a month tour is more of a good thing then not. If Pavlik wants to become a major PPV star he needs to be seen often and in look in a dominating fashion, even if it's against an outmatched opponent.