Maybe the money isn't right for the risk. Pavlik doesn't need any title eliminator to get lucrative fights.
Looks more like a possibility for Bute. [url]http://www.lapresse.ca/sports/boxe/201206/12/01-4534000-kelly-pavlik-est-pret-pour-lucian-bute.php[/url] Une option pour Bute Si la piste Stevenson s'est essoufflée, une seconde s'est ouverte, et elle pointe vers un autre Québécois, celui-là d'origine roumaine. Le clan de Lucian Bute (30-1, 24 K.-O.) a en effet mesuré l'intérêt de Pavlik pour un combat. Le président d'InterBox, Jean Bédard, revient de Las Vegas. Il a assisté à la victoire par K.-O. de Kelly Pavlik vendredi soir contre Scott Sigmon (22-4, 12 K.-O.). Les discussions se sont bien déroulées, et l'Américain se dit prêt à affronter Bute.
Jesus!!! Stupid team Pavlik!!!! Pavlik would lay such a beating on Stevenson it wouldn't even be a challenge and his stock would rise through the roof for beating such a highly touted prospect/contender. Stevenson has NO CHIN!!! Pavlik would steamroll him in 2 rounds!!! Going the Bute route is dumb because although Pavlik hits as hard and has a very good chin like Froch he also happens to be a lot less of a bumrusher and a lot more calculated which will give Bute time to set up his offence and get a rhythm going. Bute would school Pavlik.
IF they go for Bute I hope they have some damned good/appropriate sparring partners lined up. NO idea who that would be.
Lost the closest connection to the team I had when he split with Jack and headed west. No a clue what they're thinking any more than anyone else on the board at this time. My guess would be money first and Palik's heavy hands would ultimately wilt Bute. I just don't see IB wanting this fight for Bute right now myself. Of course they have the 'ace in the hole' with the rematch clause. Still a loss to Kelly would be a marketing nightmare for them. A win, just the opposite.
I guess not, but Stevenson would have been a good test before going for a big name. And Froch was waiting on the other end of that eliminator. Maybe they have their foot in the door for Froch or Bute next. It's the only reason I can think of. Edit: just now saw Hermit's post......... in French. Now as soon Gerard Depardieu gets here i'll figure what it says.
Pavlik simply doesn't need the eliminator. That could be used against him in negotiations. Froch's team could refuse to negotiate and let it go to purse bid.
You're asking a guy who lost to Darnell Boone, and has 61 total rounds of boxing under his belt, to fight KELLY PAVLIK. Seems a bit premature to me.