Kelly Pavlik has decided not to compete in the middleweight division, thus forgoing his rematch with Sergio Martinez. Martinez defeated Pavlik last month by unanimous decision, ending Pavlik’s over two-year reign as middleweight champion.
Kelly Pavlik will compete in the super middleweight or light heavyweight division, depending on the most attractive offer. Pavlik reportedly lost 13 pounds in the two days prior to his weigh-in for his bout with Sergio Martinez, dropping from 173 to meet the 160-pound middleweight cut-off. Pavlik ought to feel more comfortable making the super middleweight limit of 168 but also leaves the door open for competition as a 175-pound light heavyweight.
Many of the top super middleweights are tied up in the Super Six but IBF champion Lucian Bute provides an interesting matchup. Light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson would also be a good fight for Pavlik. For now, Pavlik plans to fight a tune-up in the Fall before looking for a bigger fight against the likes of Bute or Dawson.
