I agree. I think either of these two is a harder fight for Joe than Pavlik or Jones, and therefore should be in the mix when names are mentioned. However, saying that, I also realise that they are high-risk low-reward match-ups and have **** all chance of being made (Dawson especially).
Dawson isn't a big enough name so that's not gonna happen. Would Tarver generate as much $$$ as a Jones or Pavlik fight? I don't think so.
I'd rather have seen a Pavlik-Calzaghe fight as I think it would be more competitive. Fast high workrate Pressure fighter vs. Strong high workrate Pressure fighter. The experienced veteran vs. the young powerhouse. A good match-up. Jones on the other hand doesn't have the stanima anymore to maintain a high workrate. Calzaghe will likely swamp him unless Jones catches Joe off something stupid. But I can't speak for Joe. Perhaps he just doesn't want to take the punishment that fighting a younger power puncher would entail. Even if he was certain he'd win Pavlik would likely still get a few good shots in. Perhaps the fight with Jones really is the bigger financial boon and he wants to make the biggest payday on what may well be his last fight. But I'd really prefer that Calzaghe stop with this "Pavlik doesn't really want to fight me", "I wouldn't want to ruin his perfect record" crap. ( He's now got Lockett repeating the same party line ) It may not be ducking if he's taking what he thinks would be the better, more meaningful, more profitable fight but when he makes statements like those it sure sounds like quacking to me. I'm curious though how commited Jones is to this fight. All the noise is coming from Calzaghe at this point. I'm not entirely sure Jones wants what may be the final fight of his career to be against a guy he's likely to lose against. He's certainly going to demand a steep price from Calzaghe. If Calzaghe can't arrange a fight with Jones then the question becomes.... How committed to not fighting Pavlik is he? Will he fight Pavlik or will he seek out a third opponent?