The Kessler rumours about him having a bad hand were just a smoke screen, there was nothing wrong with the guy. Which if you watch the fight is plainly obvious as he landed some very heavy shots with both hands.

As for Pavlik he is a Middleweight - 2 divisions below Joe Calzaghe so its upto him to step up and I think Bob Arum would rather him milk the Middleweight title by beating Rubio, Duddy, Trinidad and Mayorga.

How about once Edison Miranda chins Arthur Abraham that Pavlik gives him a rematch (as Miranda was clearly weight drained last time).
If Miranda loses to Abraham then Pavlik has no excuses not to face 'King' Arthur.