Bob Arum may be able to single handedly save the game of boxing, with fighters like Antonio Margarito, Joshua Clottey and the young, twenty four year old slugger, Kelly Pavlik (29-0, 26 KO), as well as the absolutely outstanding “Versus” network.

My DVR has recorded everything broadcasted to date, and it is about time we have some entertaining boxing programming on cable or satellite that are not a premium. Kelly Pavlik has not been tested, but he has dismantled every fighter he was supposed to.

As Jermain Taylor sits atop the middleweight division, the undisputed and unchallenged champion, the young and hungry Pavlik is eyeing the prize, and training very hard, waiting for the day that he gets his shot.  He could not have come along at a better time. It seems like Jermain Taylor is taking a break, with the upcoming match with Kassim Ouma. He was actually pondering a match with Sergio Mora of The Contender, before he decided on Ouma. I like Kassim very much. He is a great guy, and a hard working fighter, in and out of the ring, but we are all fooling ourselves if we think Ouma, will be able to fight his fight against the bigger, stronger Taylor. That is why I like guys like Pavlik. They are the wild card in the middleweight division. Is he good enough? Will he step up? With fighters like Joe Calzaghe, calling out retired fighters, like Bernard Hopkins, It highlights an obvious need for a young slugger like Pavlik to be thrust into the spotlight. I like his size at 6’ 3”. I think he shows incredible skills for a 24 year old. I hope he stays light enough, long enough, to wait for some of the lighter fighting talent to move up, because I do not think any of the Champions now will even consider, taking on a bull like this guy. He could really be a wrench, in the slow moving, and predictable machine that is the middleweight division.

I am so impressed with the guts of “Top Rank” boxing. They have thought about the fan, and have really been doing what is best for the game of boxing. Having a vehicle like “VERSUS” to showcase Pavlik, shows the length Arum will go to, to bring boxing back to the forefront of sports.

Top Rank may have the fight of the year, with Clottey and Margarito on December 2nd as well. As a boxing writer, and a purist, this fight quite honestly is making me giddy. As most promoters have become predictable with age, Arum is showing all the NEW promoters, that although names sell tickets, good matches win fans, and Top Rank has nurtured more young talent, than probably anyone in the history of the game. Let’s just hope that if Kelly Pavlik is all we think he is, he will be smart enough to stay with the guys that got him there, because this kid has a bright future.

Mike Cassell

Editor

www.philaboxingreport.com

www.920espn.com

 

11-06-2006