Ward - Pavlik ?

[p4pking]

this is more of a step back for Ward than anything.

True, but I can't think of any fight that wouldn't be, unless he wanted to try and shed 8 lbs and fight Martinez at 160 -- which would be ill-advised (and which he's said he won't/can't do).

I suppose a rematch with Dawson at 175 technically would be a step up, but no one is clamoring for that right now.

That all said, a fight against Dirrell or a fight at 175 against Cloud would be less of a step back than this (though I also think he beats Cloud 12-0).

Good point, probably much of the reason that Pavliks people are willing to make this happen as well. I don't think Martinez would have any shot against Ward aside from having him completely drained anyways, and Golovkin looks like a real threat at 160, thats a better fight.
Was it Cloud or Pascal who was injured, and is their fight still going to happen at some point? The winner of that one is about the only worthwhile prospect for Ward in the next year or so, unless Froch steamrolls Bute again and really wants a rematch.

[Spicoli]

I'm really hoping Pavlik takes his time and finds his footing before taking his last jump at a huge name...he has almost sounds desperate to find his status again and no doubt the networks are chalking him up as a mark on name value. Understandable but his next big go will be his last and he's not ready. Not sure if he'd ever be ready for a peeking Ward style no matter. Their is not enough gauze and suture material on the shelf to put him together after Ward gets done with him.