Froch isnt a guaranteed win for Pavlik either. But Pav matches up better with him then anyone else in the tourney. The two guys at 168 who I'm positive Pavlik CANT beat are Bute, and Ward.
HBO obviously want that, but do you really think that Pavlik will take that fight? No way will Jack Loew want his meal ticket to take that fight.
What else is there for Pav at 160 though? The only other option IF he beats Martinez would be Tall Paul... but something tells me that fight'll never happen. If Pav beats Martinez, I predict he'll fight Bute. That'd be a BIG fight in either Canda, or AC. If Martinez wins, then Kelly very well may fade into obscurity.
Nothing at 160. I just can't see team Pavlik jumping right to 168 & taking on Bute. Bute would own his ass badly. If Martinez wins, expect a shitload of excuses, followed by Pavlik getting drunk & being the subject of some domestic violence calls just like his brother/team member. We might even see him on Cops.
Pavlik's frame is just fine for 168. And he'd have a good shot at beating the likes of Froch, AA, and somehwhat of a chance with Dirrell and Kessler. He just has little hope with Ward, and Bute.
same as dirrel abraham! dirrell outclasses him. jus like AA he wont have enuff in the take to mount a come back or late knock out! notice he was not beat up (AA) in the taylor fight, like dirrell beat him down, he was able to mount a comeback against taylor. it would be the same story for pavlik
Right now Pavlik because of his pressure, experience and discipline. Abraham lacked pressure and discipline but still was gaining momentum late because Dirrell doesn't like to get hit and had some well justified fear. Jack Loew has been touting Dirrell so he sees something he likes in him. In a year or two once Dirrell has more experience at the top level? That would be a tough fight for Kelly.
Pavlik hasn't moved to 168 because there are nothing but tough fights there. Anyone in the super six plus bute and bika. He couldn't duck anyone anymore.