Abraham stated that since Pavlik and Sturm never wanted to get in the ring with him, he's going to super middleweight to be the best in that division. Well, I think just about everyone was hoping to see Abraham and Pavlik square off. I must ask, do you think this is completely true, that Pavlik just did not want to face Abraham? If not, then tell me why. :blood
Honestly, I think the fight would've been made awhile ago, but Hopkins beating Pavlik derailed those plans. Pavlik's camp may have lost a bit of confidence in their man after Hops schooled him for 12 rounds. Not that Abraham's style is anything like Hopkins' at all, but still.. I think that loss had a lot to do with it.
Pavlik's career is stagnating and, if this tournament comes off, he'll be left out in the cold. Taking the Hopkins figth has obviously, in hindsight, turned out to be a bad decision but they didn't need to start protecting him the way they are. It's odd what's happening with Kelly's career at the moment. He needs to be fighting regularly, for his confidence to be high, and to regain his popularity.
I disagree about Hopkins derailing the fight, if anything the Hopkins fight sent Pavlik back down to finish business at 160. Hopkins just derailed a Pavlik fight with Calzaghe. The fight isnt made simply because of high risk and low reward. Arum knows it too, he has a superstar on his hands who really hasnt accomplished anything in the sport and will milk him dry. 2 losses on Pavlik's record within a year of each other and thats it back to headlining versus cards for Kelly. Which really explains why Arum is so insistent about making the fight with Mora or Duddy.
Have you ever seen them in the same room at the same time? Have you seen photos of them? I'm not saying anything but... I mean it could all be coincidence or maby they are twins.
Bob Arum was on Steve Bunce's boxing hour and said Abraham's camp are notoriously hard to deal with " kettle and pot spring to mind " he claims they would of walked away with 1 million $ and the fight would of been in Germany , and there was no budging on that !!!!!!!! , hense Hopkins !!!!!! But who knows , shame really as i fancied Pavlik to take his head off !!!!!!
Answer is not too complicated if you look at the facts. Abraham went to Miranda's division and backyard for less money he'd have made back home and KTFO Miranda on US television Showtime, calling out and stating he's ready to do the same with Pavlik in Youngstown. Guess what, despite Abraham being available for the Summer, Pavlik ended up signing for Sergio Mora , but he pulled out (several rumors from infection, contractual dispute to personal problems). King Arthur was once again ready for a Fall/Winter fight as he finished off Mahir Oral on Showtime, but Arum mentioned 2 totally unrealistic fights instead (Froch, Sturm). Abraham BTW offered Sturm more than HBO offered for the WHOLE Pavlik-Sturm fight. Guess what, Sturm turned it down. Some Pavlik fans keep saying Abraham is just all talk (what about the Miranda fight in Florida?) and facing weak opposition. Now what's the excuse as he's preparing for Taylor, Ward, Dirrell, Froch and Kessler, and Kelly will most likely end up fighting Mora? :rofl In the meantime, Sturm, who gets the most **** from fans, fights the best MW opposition of the 3: #4 Sylvester last year, #5 Gevor this year.