Ward - Pavlik ?

[Rantcatrat]

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).

Anthony or Andre Dirrell, Stevenson, Pascal, Cloud, Campillo, and those are off the top of my head. I'm sure there are other options too.

[Kirkland Laing]

I think Pavlik knows he's done, is looking for the biggest possible payday to retire on and this is it. I bet he's kicking himself that he turned down a million dollars to fight Bute a year or so ago.

[mrbig1]

I think Pavlik knows he's done, is looking for the biggest possible payday to retire on and this is it. I bet he's kicking himself that he turned down a million dollars to fight Bute a year or so ago.

Agree with every word. Never been sold on Pavlik. Froch or Ward would use him as a punching bag.