The relevance of this fight is that Pavlik needs an opponent for the fall before he eventually fights Abraham in 2009. If someone can come up with an opponent who has more cache than Hopkins, then I'd love to hear it.
For those saying, 'he should fight Abraham!".. well, you're ignoring reality. That fight isn't happening until 2009. Pavlik could take the easy route and fight in the fall against a Lockett-esque stiff. If he's willing instead to risk it in the fall against a cagey accomplished fighter like Hopkins while waiting for Abraham, then more power to him.
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