By Cliff Rold - It’s what boxing fans wanted to see. After over two years as champion, Kelly Pavlik will finally defend his title.
Oh, sure, Pavlik officially has three defenses under his belt. He sent mandatory challengers Gary Lockett and Marco Antonio Rubio packing. He introduced former “Contender” contestant Miguel Espino to the reality of elite competition. Those men were, by designation, challengers.
They weren’t really threats to challenge. The challenges for Pavlik since September 2007, or the beginning of his title reign, have come without the Middleweight honors on the line. He was pushed but ultimately pushed through in a non-title rematch with the man from whom he wrested the crown, Jermain Taylor. He was less successful in a try at former Middleweight and Light Heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins at a 170 lb. catchweight, losing almost every round. [Click Here To Read More]
Oh, sure, Pavlik officially has three defenses under his belt. He sent mandatory challengers Gary Lockett and Marco Antonio Rubio packing. He introduced former “Contender” contestant Miguel Espino to the reality of elite competition. Those men were, by designation, challengers.
They weren’t really threats to challenge. The challenges for Pavlik since September 2007, or the beginning of his title reign, have come without the Middleweight honors on the line. He was pushed but ultimately pushed through in a non-title rematch with the man from whom he wrested the crown, Jermain Taylor. He was less successful in a try at former Middleweight and Light Heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins at a 170 lb. catchweight, losing almost every round. [Click Here To Read More]
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