Published: Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Look for battle of undefeateds in Pavlik's next fight Jan. 26
Jermain Taylor, whom
Pavlik knocked out last month, opted not to seek a rematch now.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN — Kelly Pavlik's first title defense will come in a familiar place.
The Youngstown middleweight will defend his WBC title against undefeated Irishman John Duddy on Jan. 26 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., the same place where he won the title last month with a seventh-round knockout against Jermain Taylor.
The fight, which will be televised by HBO, isn't official, but looks very likely, according to several sources.
"It's a solid fight," said Pavlik's trainer, Jack Loew.
"He's [Duddy] a dangerous kid who'll bring a helluva crowd with him."
Duddy, who is originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, and now lives in New York City, is 21-0 with 16 knockouts. He will fight Prince Arron on Saturday in Dublin, which should serve as a tune-up for Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs).
"It looks like it's going to happen," said Duddy's matchmaker, Jim Borzell. "Of course we're delighted. Any time a champion gives a challenger a shot, we're grateful.
"I expect an exciting fight between two of the finest fellas in the division."
Many expected Pavlik's first fight to be against Taylor, who had a rematch clause with Pavlik for a nontitle bout at 166 pounds.
But Taylor's handlers opted not to exercise the clause.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Jermain Taylor, whom
Pavlik knocked out last month, opted not to seek a rematch now.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN — Kelly Pavlik's first title defense will come in a familiar place.
The Youngstown middleweight will defend his WBC title against undefeated Irishman John Duddy on Jan. 26 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., the same place where he won the title last month with a seventh-round knockout against Jermain Taylor.
The fight, which will be televised by HBO, isn't official, but looks very likely, according to several sources.
"It's a solid fight," said Pavlik's trainer, Jack Loew.
"He's [Duddy] a dangerous kid who'll bring a helluva crowd with him."
Duddy, who is originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, and now lives in New York City, is 21-0 with 16 knockouts. He will fight Prince Arron on Saturday in Dublin, which should serve as a tune-up for Pavlik (32-0, 29 KOs).
"It looks like it's going to happen," said Duddy's matchmaker, Jim Borzell. "Of course we're delighted. Any time a champion gives a challenger a shot, we're grateful.
"I expect an exciting fight between two of the finest fellas in the division."
Many expected Pavlik's first fight to be against Taylor, who had a rematch clause with Pavlik for a nontitle bout at 166 pounds.
But Taylor's handlers opted not to exercise the clause.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Kelly Pavlik's first title defense will come in a familiar place.
The Youngstown middleweight will defend his WBC title...
