It's nothing more than a stay busy fight. Pavlik fought Zertuche, Miranda, and Taylor (x2) consecutively and all in a years time. He deserves a fight like this.
I never thought I'd find myself defending Kelly Pavlik, but daring to take a mandatory defence hardly reflects on your ability as a fighter :huh
Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss I am going to book mark this thread forever I knew you were a closet Pavlik lover
Mandatory defense having taken three "tough" fights in a row against Miranda and Taylor x2. I actually wish Taylor had taken a fight like Lockett to be honest, he had six or seven on the row against Champs, Ex Champs or Future Champs.
A fight with Miranda then TaylorX2 and now his mandatory yet he's a bum because his next opponent doesn't seem to impress you?, sure thing dumbass.
I've got no problem with a fighter getting an easier payday and a mandatory defense out of the way. Kelly's shown he'll take the tough fights; getting a more manageable one here or there is just smart business. Beyond getting a championship defense paycheck, guys don't last too long if they fight the toughest fight possible every single time out.
I'm hoping Pavlik resists the Calzaghe temptation because that style isn't good for him. If he decides to fight Rubio, I guess that's OK but I'd prefer he either face Abraham or vacate and face a titleholder at 168 after Lockett.
Hey...hard to believe, but there are boxing writers out there that acting like Pavlik is getting the "golden boy" treatment because of his blue-collar roots and likability.:think
Mandatory defense in Lockett whose a pretty decent character in his own right (with power to boot). Real easy pick ems Pav has got.