Let's use Taylor/Pavlik for an example. Won't the sanctioning bodies still consider this a super middle weight fight since it is above 160 and not above 168? What difference does the two pounds make? 166 vs 168 What happens if one of them weighs in at 167 or 168? What if one of them weighs in at 169, above super middle weight? Is there any penalty other than perhaps something agreed to in the contract?
Let's use Taylor/Pavlik for an example. Won't the sanctioning bodies still consider this a super middle weight fight since it is above 160 and not above 168? It is technically a SMW fight since it's over the 160 pound limit and under 168. That's why it's a non-title fight. What difference does the two pounds make? 166 vs 168 It doesn't really make a different, but I guess they didn't want to make it look completely like a SMW fight. What happens if one of them weighs in at 167 or 168? I think the fighter that did weigh in at 166 or under could decide not to fight the opponent that didn't.. but I really doubt they will A) not make it or B) decide to fight them anyways. What if one of them weighs in at 169, above super middle weight? Is there any penalty other than perhaps something agreed to in the contract? Same thing. In non-title bouts, contracts sometimes have financial penalties for this kind of a situation.
The reason that its a 166 rather than 168 is that as its a non-title fight theres no reason for it to be at any particular weight. The extra weight will probably suit Taylor more than Pavlik, so Pavliks team would try and keep the stipulated weight down when the fight was being negociated in order to get an advantage (however small) for their fighter.