Welcome back Kelly Pavlik

[Diane]

Missed the return of one of my favourite fighters last night, because yet again, it wasnt televised in Britain. Good to see Pavlik return to his knockout ways and from what i hear, Espino put up a brave effort before getting stopped so kudos to him. For the people who saw the fight, what did you think?

Well, it was a mixed bag. Espino is a respectable opponent, who has recently languished in obscurity after winning the contender, only then to fight in small clubs in Mexico. His game plane -- Espino, that is -- was all wrong: he wanted to throw with Pavlik, which ultimately led to his demise. I think Espino's stock climbed after the fight and it didn't do much for Pavlik, who should have pressed hard for a rematch with B-Hop after being completely schooled by the crafty, old-school veteran.

Don't know if any of you have heard, but Jack Leow's -- Pavlik's trainer -- wife has passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out to Leow and his family.

That being said, I think Pavlik will push for the Williams fight. I've been following Williams pretty close and I think that fight -- if it happens -- can go either way. Williams has the superior footwork and natural athleticism, while Pavlik has the big punch. That isn't to say that Pavlik isn't a fine athlete on his own, I just think Williams is a bit better.

It's a fight that has to be made, and after Williams' last fight, I'm sure Kelly is licking his lips with anticipation. We'll see.

Sorry, but I need to correct you on two things....

First, Espino didn't win The Contender, he lost in the first round.

Second, it was Jack Loew's mother that died, not his wife.


Also as a side note, while there are talks in place for Pavlik to fight Martinez in April, I read that Al Haymon, Williams manager, has made an offer for a rematch with Martinez. So it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

[Rantcatrat]

If Martinez rematches Williams, is Sturm the only other respectable opponent at 160 for Pavlik?

[PRIDE OF BOSTON]

If Martinez rematches Williams, is Sturm the only other respectable opponent at 160 for Pavlik?

Pretty much and Sturm won't fight Pavlik... He's content with his title and defending it in his country. Pavlik would beat Sturm at this juncture of his career. I think the Sturm that beat ODLH is past.