Will Pavlik Unify Middleweight Division?

[BattlingNelson]

I think that Pavlik probably will fight at 160 once more and that should be against AA. I believe that Pavlik will then move up to at least 168.

[Feint]

I’m going to say “No” for two reasons, neither of which has to do with his talent. The first has to do with practicality. As a boxer gains belts sanctioning fees begin to add up. It just doesn’t make financial sense to give away your money, especially if you are already considered the best in the division regardless of what belt you are holding.

The second reason is that Pavlik has not made it a secret that he wants to move up and become champion in more than one weight class and would even like to have a crack at becoming heavyweight champion one day.

[Pullcounter]

In The Ring ratings Kelly Pavlik, Arthur Abraham and Felix Sturm are the top 3 in that order. Pavlik holds WBC, WBO and Ring belts, Sturm holds WBA and Abraham holds IBF belt. All fighters have good records Abraham and Pavlik undefeated and Sturm with only 2 losses and they are all in their mid to late 20s. In my mind having Abraham fight Sturm with the winner facing Pavlik to unify the Middleweight division would be 2 great fights that would mean a lot to the boxing world. Also as long as Sturm can defeat Sebastien Sylvester in his upcoming WBA title defence. I think Abraham would beat Sturm setting up 2 undefeated fighters with all the belts on the line as long as Pavlik can beat Hopkins to remain undefeated. Even if Pavlik loses against Hopkins the fight would still be good for Middleweight division.

Do you guys think Pavlik would be interested in unifying the division after Hopkins?

I don't think Pavlik will unify middleweight, he trying to position himself to make the big bucks.

Abraham should try and unify though and wait for pavlik when pavlik comes back down.

[Pretty Boy1]

I’m going to say “No” for two reasons, neither of which has to do with his talent. The first has to do with practicality. As a boxer gains belts sanctioning fees begin to add up. It just doesn’t make financial sense to give away your money, especially if you are already considered the best in the division regardless of what belt you are holding.

The second reason is that Pavlik has not made it a secret that he wants to move up and become champion in more than one weight class and would even like to have a crack at becoming heavyweight champion one day.

Did he honestly say the statement I highlighted in bold about going to Heavyweight? Could he put that much weight on without turning fat and getting to slow?

[Kris Silver]

I'm starting to think he's gona struggle to keep making MW come a year. So he probably has two fights at MW. One will probably and hopefully be Abraham. I favour Pavlik but not by much, I think AA can obviously pull it off, anyone whom doesn't accept this is kidding them selves. I don't know much about Sturm to be honest, but all considered I just don't think Pavlik will unify MW. Infact I quite fancy a bet with someone on Pavlik getting a loss with the next 12 months. Anyone fancies it let me know.

[deanrw]

I think Pavlik will stay at middleweight as long as Abrahan does. If Abraham leaves middleweight, I cannot see the motivation with Pavlik staying there. There will be nobody to fight except Sturm, and you damn well know that Sturm will not fight either of them.

I have a funny feeling about Pavlik though. I saw one interview a while back where he kinda indicated he wanted to make some money, then get out of the sport. I think he will hunt down a few big paydays and then leave.

[MELLY-MEL...]

I think Pavlik will stay at middleweight as long as Abrahan does. If Abraham leaves middleweight, I cannot see the motivation with Pavlik staying there. There will be nobody to fight except Sturm, and you damn well know that Sturm will not fight either of them.

I have a funny feeling about Pavlik though. I saw one interview a while back where he kinda indicated he wanted to make some money, then get out of the sport. I think he will hunt down a few big paydays and then leave.

yep thats what he said, and of all people i bet he will bow out early. i believe him.

[MELLY-MEL...]

I’m going to say “No” for two reasons, neither of which has to do with his talent. The first has to do with practicality. As a boxer gains belts sanctioning fees begin to add up. It just doesn’t make financial sense to give away your money, especially if you are already considered the best in the division regardless of what belt you are holding.

The second reason is that Pavlik has not made it a secret that he wants to move up and become champion in more than one weight class and would even like to have a crack at becoming heavyweight champion one day.

when and where did he say he wants to be a heavy???? never heard that so i hope you got some proof if your gonna make these kind of statements! otherwise your cred will be shot!

[abadger]

Yes I think Pavlik would be interested in unifying MW if he stays there. However, I think if he fought Abraham tomorrow he would lose, but given a little more seasoning, of the type he will get against Hopkins, then Kelly will have a good chance against him. As for Sturm, I don't know how good he is or isn't, or how feasible or attractive such a fight would be to either party.

The problem is I'm not sure Pavlik will stay at MW. It surely can't be a good idea to yoyo between weight classes, and outside of Abraham at MW and perhaps a marquee name or two at LHW, the fighters who represent Kelly Pavlik's future all seem to be at SMW right now. I would not be surprised to see Kelly and Arthur Abraham both move to that weight in the near future.

[Finn73]

UD no way... KO.

I doubt that...by UD maybe, but not by KO