Kelly Pavlik to Face Paul Williams...Maybe

Here is an interesting rumor that is beginning to pick up some steam. According to Steve Kim over at Maxboxing, Middleweight Champion Kelly Pavlik may be in negotiations to face division jumper Paul Williams later in the year.

Some early sticking points seem to be the venue and William's purse split. Pavlik's people want Atlantic City, and they want Pavlik to earn a substantially larger payday than Williams for this fight.

I must say if this fight is going to come off, Williams is going to have to agree to whatever Pavlik's people want. 70/30 purse split, glove choice, venue, whatever. Williams has very little negotiating power because he really has no drawing power.

For all the talk of Williams being ducked, it is time to put up or shut up. This is his shot at the REAL Middleweight champion. If he defeats Pavlik he will earn additional negotiating power for future bouts based on being The Ring Magazine champion.

It's up for debate whether or not defeating Pavlik will increase his fanbase, but it certainly will help with his exposure. Not to mention the increased power a win would have in a negotiation for a rematch down the line.

As for William's chances in this fight, I see it as a pick 'em fight. Williams has good movement, throws punches in bunches, and a good set of whiskers. He hasn't faced a puncher who can hit as hard as Pavlik yet, and that may be the tale of this fight.

If he can take Pavlik's best shots, he should be able to outbox Pavlik over twelve rounds. If Pavlik can hurt or slow him down, Pavlik can get the decision or KO victory.

I hope for both parties, this fight get signed. It is one of the very few relevant fights to be had at middleweight.