Kelly Pavlik’s management informed Joe Scalzo from Vindy.com that the “Ghost” from Youngstown, Ohio would be facing Arthur Abraham in the fall.
“I’m excited,” Pavlik said. “I think it’s great. Especially after I heard he was willing to come to the [United] States to fight. That’s awesome.
“That’s the fight people want to see.”
Pavlik, who holds the WBO and WBC middleweight titles, has eyed Abraham’s IBF belt for more than a year. The two fighters are universally regarded as the top two in the middleweight division.
“He’s tough,” Pavlik said of Abraham. “He hits hard and he’s winning, that’s the main thing. That’s what makes it interesting for fight fans.”
Of course, for the bout to happen, both fighters will likely need to win interim bouts. Pavlik’s handlers are in negotiations for him to meet former WBC light middleweight champion Sergio Mora on June 27 in Atlantic City. (The date could be moved to July.) If Pavlik wins, he could fight Abraham in either October or November in New York.
Pavlik’s promoter, Bob Arum, said he would meet with Pavlik and his managers next week in either New York or Washington to talk about the Mora and Abraham bouts.
Abraham will probably fight again this summer, possibly against Vernon Forrest, before fighting Pavlik. He’s made nine successful title defenses, but none have been in the United States. His only bout in America came at 166 pounds against Edison Miranda last June in Miami. Stay tune for more information as it comes in.
This is GREAT news. Finally two fighters who should be fighting each other to see who is best in their division.
Abraham is so patient and has such an unusual style. He had the ability to make his opponents not look so good, then when he sees the opening, he can put them away.
This a real fight. Not like the scheduled sparring session between Pavlik and the mediocre at best, Mora.
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