May I suggest Jean Pascal's brother as an opponent for Pavlik? Nicholson Poulard http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=278262&cat=boxer
So he's probably around the gym and expecting to fight before the end of the year. However, he'd probably rather win in Canada than be a scheduled opponent in Dallas.
I saw Pascal's brother on FNF too. A short time before that he lost to the same version of Demers that got man-handled by Vera. He's obviously bigger than Edouard, but over all he isn't really a better opponent.
I am still thinking a great introduction to SMW would be snag a fight with Daniel Geale. Maybe Brian McGee would be available. Give the man a real fight. Eduoard was NEVER a real threat during his whole career. I would have said Don George, but that dude really disappointed me losing to Sierra. That guy wouldn't see the second round with Pavlik.
Brian Magee would be a GREAT fight. I mean, Pavlik would almost certainly win, but Magee would bring it. It would at least be an entertaining blowout against a fringe top 10 guy.
It will be about two years before he gets that shot. He'd need to keep defending against top guys to keep that position, and he might lose by doing that. But you're probably right that the money wouldn't be high enough to get him to give that up.
There are a couple problems with finding a new opponent. 1) Money: This card will do big numbers, but Pac and Tony will no doubt make a bazillion dollars each. Then there is another title fight on the card, I think? Then there's KP's $600K gaurantee. And of course the rest of the guys get to somehow split whatever is left. Not many legit guys would take this fight for small money. 2) Timing: Not many legit guys will take a fight with Pavlik on such short notice.
Manfredo has called for this fight - but I doubt if they give it to him. He'll be fighting another fighter that we're not used to seeing. It's suppose to be a tune up for him anyway.
Did the Manfredo/Joppy fight fall apart? It's not listed on Box Rec, and the most recent article I can find is about 3 weeks old.