Published: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Taylor may want Pavlik rematch
If Jermain Taylor doesn't trigger a contract clause, all signs point to fight with John Duddy in Atlantic City.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN — As plans escalate for a January meeting between John Duddy and Youngstown's Kelly Pavlik, there's still one person who stands in the way: Jermain Taylor.
Taylor, who lost his WBC and WBO titles to Pavlik last month, reportedly remains very interested in triggering his rematch clause with Pavlik, which would be a non-title fight at 166 pounds.
The rematch clause, which has become fairly standard for title fights, was written into the contract for the first bout. If Taylor opts to use it, Pavlik must grant him the fight.
"If he wants to exercise his option, we'll fight," said Pavlik's manager, Cameron Dunkin, Monday. "At 166, Kelly will feel better."
Some of Taylor's handlers, however, are less than enthusiastic about the immediate rematch, since Taylor has more to lose than Pavlik. Another knockout loss would be devastating to Taylor's earning potential, while a victory would mean less without the two titles at stake.
Taylor, however, would likely earn much more for a fight against Pavlik than against someone like Sergio Mora, who has been mentioned as a possible opponent.
Plus, Taylor (27-1-1) wants to avenge the first loss of his career. He has until the end of the month to relay his intentions.
If Taylor doesn't trigger the clause, all signs point to a Jan. 26 fight between Duddy and Pavlik in Atlantic City, N.J.
Duddy (21-0, 16 KOs) is the No. 4 contender in the WBC and the No. 2 contender in the WBO. Taylor is the No. 1 contender in the WBC.
Duddy will fight English boxer Prince Arron (10-2) Saturday in Dublin.
Pavlik and his handlers have repeatedly said they'll fight anyone, although Pavlik has expressed an interest in becoming the undisputed middleweight champ. Felix Sturm holds the WBA title, while Arthur Abraham has the IBF belt.
"Kelly will fight anybody," said his trainer, Jack Loew. "John Duddy would be an attractive fight."
Also, an outdoor fight at Stambaugh Stadium in June remains a possibility for Pavlik, although Cleveland Browns Stadium has also been mentioned. YSU, however, seems a better fit considering the size of Browns Stadium (around 75,000 capacity for a fight) compared to Stambaugh (25,000).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
If Jermain Taylor doesn't trigger a contract clause, all signs point to fight with John Duddy in Atlantic City.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN — As plans escalate for a January meeting between John Duddy and Youngstown's Kelly Pavlik, there's still one person who stands in the way: Jermain Taylor.
Taylor, who lost his WBC and WBO titles to Pavlik last month, reportedly remains very interested in triggering his rematch clause with Pavlik, which would be a non-title fight at 166 pounds.
The rematch clause, which has become fairly standard for title fights, was written into the contract for the first bout. If Taylor opts to use it, Pavlik must grant him the fight.
"If he wants to exercise his option, we'll fight," said Pavlik's manager, Cameron Dunkin, Monday. "At 166, Kelly will feel better."
Some of Taylor's handlers, however, are less than enthusiastic about the immediate rematch, since Taylor has more to lose than Pavlik. Another knockout loss would be devastating to Taylor's earning potential, while a victory would mean less without the two titles at stake.
Taylor, however, would likely earn much more for a fight against Pavlik than against someone like Sergio Mora, who has been mentioned as a possible opponent.
Plus, Taylor (27-1-1) wants to avenge the first loss of his career. He has until the end of the month to relay his intentions.
If Taylor doesn't trigger the clause, all signs point to a Jan. 26 fight between Duddy and Pavlik in Atlantic City, N.J.
Duddy (21-0, 16 KOs) is the No. 4 contender in the WBC and the No. 2 contender in the WBO. Taylor is the No. 1 contender in the WBC.
Duddy will fight English boxer Prince Arron (10-2) Saturday in Dublin.
Pavlik and his handlers have repeatedly said they'll fight anyone, although Pavlik has expressed an interest in becoming the undisputed middleweight champ. Felix Sturm holds the WBA title, while Arthur Abraham has the IBF belt.
"Kelly will fight anybody," said his trainer, Jack Loew. "John Duddy would be an attractive fight."
Also, an outdoor fight at Stambaugh Stadium in June remains a possibility for Pavlik, although Cleveland Browns Stadium has also been mentioned. YSU, however, seems a better fit considering the size of Browns Stadium (around 75,000 capacity for a fight) compared to Stambaugh (25,000).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
As plans escalate for a January meeting between John Duddy and Youngstown's Kelly Pavlik, there's still one person who...
