[BrutUalBK]

While most of the reasons are here why Ward is choosing this fight the more obvious one (money) stands out above anything, the other IMHO is that AW isn't ready to move to LHW just yet but it isn't due to fear. Pavlik has shown that he's made some serious adjustments to his style of boxing since he has returned and I think he has polished up a lot of what wasn't there as a boxer so coupled with his height, reach and toughness he will not be a cakewalk for Ward, however he is missing the two most essential elements/skills needed when facing Andre (defense and speed).

I think Ward wins this on a UD but it wouldn't surprise me if KP makes this a tougher fight than anyone is willing to give him credit for.

[The Original MrF...]

How bout none of the above... Ward just wants to fight Pavlik because he's low risk and high reward. Opportunity to get on TV against a shell of the Kelly Pavlik that fought Taylor years ago. Opportunity to make some money and KO a more known commodity than Chad Dawson... I still wish Ward had taken the Bute fight. that was the one everyone wanted to see. Ultimately, Froch and Kessler will deserve another shot at Ward

[Sunni6Killer]

Great fight for Ward.

[BrutUalBK]

How bout none of the above... Ward just wants to fight Pavlik because he's low risk and high reward. Opportunity to get on TV against a shell of the Kelly Pavlik that fought Taylor years ago. Opportunity to make some money and KO a more known commodity than Chad Dawson... I still wish Ward had taken the Bute fight. that was the one everyone wanted to see. Ultimately, Froch and Kessler will deserve another shot at Ward

Have you seen KP fight since his return?? I think he's a better fighter than when he faced Hopkins, he's polished up his offense and improved on his defense as well, I'm not sure about his counterpunching skills but I'm sure he'll need them and better speed plus defense to beat a guy like Ward.

[wolterb]

How bout none of the above... Ward just wants to fight Pavlik because he's low risk and high reward. Opportunity to get on TV against a shell of the Kelly Pavlik that fought Taylor years ago. Opportunity to make some money and KO a more known commodity than Chad Dawson... I still wish Ward had taken the Bute fight. that was the one everyone wanted to see. Ultimately, Froch and Kessler will deserve another shot at Ward

Completely agree and especially with the bold. Ward has all the makings of a "next big thing" except for the reputation as a "exciting fighter". He wants to get that reputation.

After the dawson fight he even referred to knockout victories as the "last piece of the puzzle". he has a great career already and lots of potential for his future (undefeated, resume of credible opponents, a solid head on his shoulders) hes just gotta capture everyones attention, now. if he stops Pavlik you know a lot o the beer drinking espn crowd is gonna hear about it. thats the market ward has to get to if he wants to make big money.

[Cshel86]

After this loss, Pavlik will divorce boxing and marry the bottle again...the writing's on the wall.