So I'm sure you guys all know this fight will be going down on Jan 26th. I'm also sure you guys know this has been in the works for some time now. I usually don't start threads but I was very curious and intrigue by this fight. Ward is a charismatic guy but he doesn't really promote himself or call people out much. It seemed however that he talked about tis fight more than most fights he's been in (maybe it's just me). I'm just curious to know what you guys think about Ward's motive behind seemingly promoting this fight. I also oviously would like to know if you guys think Pavlik has more than a puncher's chance at winning. Is he a threat or is this a classic case of adding a name to a boxer's resume' while his popularity is at a high? Personally, even if it is, I think Ward has earned that given his resume' the last 2 or so years. Just wanted to gauge where my fellow sweet science enthusiast were on this matter.

Definitely a stay-busy fight for Ward...and I just hope that he doesn't carry himself in that manner, for this fight. Surely he wont, but who knows. Pavlik is decent name on Ward's resume, besides, aint shit else poppin' in the SWM division anyway, thanks to Ward cleaning it out. Lol.

Pavlik's fought the best in the past, and has recently fought a string of about 10 no-hopers in the past 2 years...so I'll go out on a limb and say that he's worked hard for this. Alcohol has been the undisputed champ that Pavlik couldn't beat, so if he finally got the W against alcohol, then he has a chance against Ward.

A chance, how? Who knows. I don't see that same sting on punches, as he had at 160. He has moved up in weight, so that may be the case here. Me thinks that Ward is gonna take him to the cleaners in this one, but he needs to be careful....Kelly can still be dangerous after being hurt in fights.

Options 1,3 and 5. Easy W and payday for Ward.

This poll is kinda dumb...the options are too obvious or similar to make any real comparisons.

I think Pavlik is a good opponent, I don't see how he wouldn't be. I also think he's probably going to get one of the worst beatings of his life.

i would rather see pavlik/froch with the winner facing ward.

So then why is he a good opponent? I see your dumb poll and raise you a dumb statement lol

I think Froch could beat Kelly, plus he has a date with Bute. But I think a Pavlic vs kessler fight would be very good, but Kelly stands no chance if he decides to fight like a brawler with Garcia at his corner and he can't box ward either... His best chance is to land something very significant.

On another note betcha Kelly Pavlic, ward, and Martinez are all pissed they didn't take that Bute fight when they had the chance tho lol

I mean like it's asking too much; it's unnecessary...the options you made are too similar of reasons that are obvious to why he'd fight Pavlik. They're not really comparable. Or at least just how I see it...ignore me lol aint really that serious

He's good because he's Kelly Pavlik......lol

actually for the hell of it,

He wants to stay active/ This is a tune-up fight for Ward. (Both are dumb and not similar answers. It's not like Ward is at any point in his career to be retiring and Kelly Pavlik is still some sort of threat, not really a tune-up)
Pavlik is a real threat and Ward relishes the challenge (obvious answer; wanting to fight to fight Pavlik)
Ward just wants another "name" on his resume' (obvious answer; you're fighting....)
Ward wants to have a "credible" opponent at super middleweight because he isn't ready to move to light heavy. (somewhat obvious answer; fighting anyone before "if ever" moving to a diff weight class, whether credible or not)
Ward wants to completely wipe out the enitre divison. (kind of outrageous, but the only logical option here to be of any significant difference)

#1 Some would say Kelly Pavlik is done. I mean he's fought some tomato can-ish opponents and still didn't look great. So, obviously I disagree that it was dumb.
#2 Not everyone wants another "name". Cotto fighting Trout should be evidence of that. I don't think anyone would have blamed Cotto if he went for the biggest "name" out there. He deserves it. Instead, he's fighting a tough opponent who is virtually unknown to the casual boxing fan.
#3 Some fighters want to move up in weight and could care less if they leave food on the table. Some fighters want to reign supreme as long as possible before moving up in weight. I don't think any of us know which guy Ward is yet. So once again, not dumb.
#4 Once again, not all fighters care to wipe out their division. Some care to beat the biggest names. Some want to unify the belts. Some want the biggest money fights. Some wanna fight anybody anywhere. Still not getting what was so "dumb".

But then again, to each is own. At the very least, it was as interesting enough topic for people to respond.

Don't even worry about it bruh, I was just bein a dick, I apologize.

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.

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

Great fight for 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.

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.

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