By Ryan Burton
Former WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (40-2) hit a low point in his career when he lost an unanimous decision to Sergio Martinez in April 20, 2010. Pavlik floored Martinez in the fight but was unable to overcome cuts over both of his eyes.
The loss was the second and last of his career. His only other loss was to future Hall of Fame member Bernard Hopkins in a bout contested at a 170 pound catch-weight.
Pavlik entered rehab for alcohol abuse in November of that year and many thought his career was over.
He would however come back - as a super middleweight - and won 4 fights in a row before a big fight against Andre Ward was lined up for a January, 2013 HBO World Championship Boxing main event.
The fight never came to fruition as Ward injured his shoulder in sparring in December and subsequently underwent surgery which forced the fight to be canceled. Pavlik would never fight again.
This writer recently spoke with Pavlik and asked him what he believes would have been the outcome of the fight had it came to fruition. Ward also recently retired with his spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame secure.
"Oh man I don't know. Man I am humble enough to say fights like that I would have loved, but he had the shoulder injury. Of course I am going to say [I would have beat him], but it was definitely one of those fights I was pumped for it but unfortunately things happen and they happen for a reason," Pavlik told BoxingScene.com.
"When that fight fell through there were no more big fights left. I don't care what anybody says. They were all tied up. They all had contractual agreements to other fights. I was looking at a minimum of a year for a meaningful fight. I am not even talking about a world championship. I am just talking about a decent fight."
Nowadays Pavlik has his own boxing podcast and encourages fans to give it a listen.
"The Punchline with Kelly Pavlik and James Dominguez. It is on YouTube and Facebook Live and Twitter," said Pavlik.
2023-10-19 17:08:42
