Pavlik clash could be an option for DeGale
Promoter Frank Warren expects his dispute with James DeGale to be resolved soon – and would like him to take on former world champion Kelly Pavlik.
DeGale released a statement in January announcing that he had split from Warren, who insists the Harlesden super-middleweight is contracted to him until April 2013.
Warren believes DeGale, 26, will return to the ring in the near future and has identified American star Pavlik as a possible opponent.
A clash between the pair was also discussed last year and would be a big test for DeGale, who recently opted not to challenge Robert Stieglitz for the Russian’s world title after being offered the fight at short notice.
Pavlik has twice held the WBC and WBO middleweight belts and is attempting to rebuild his career after a number of personal problems.
The 30-year-old has also been touted as the next opponent for Britain’s Carl Froch.
But IBF champion Froch is keen for his next bout to be in Nottingham and Pavlik, who has won 40 of his 42 professional contests, has never boxed outside the United States and prefers to fight in his home state of Ohio.
Warren said: “He [DeGale] needs to pull his finger out. He’s had some good offers for fights.
“We’ve got a dispute over our management agreement and hopefully that’s going to be resolved quite soon and then we’ll decide where we’re going to go from there.
“Kelly Pavlik, if James keeps himself well, is one of those fights I think you could look at although there’s travelling involved.”
DeGale was impressive in his last outing, successfully defending his European title with a fourth-round stoppage of Cristian Sanavia.
It was his second victory since a disputed points defeat against arch-rival and fellow West Londoner George Groves last year.
Warren has subsequently become Groves’ promoter and says he does not know whether that has been a factor in his fall-out with DeGale.
He added: “Everybody has to be professional and move forward. It’s not about any favouritism.
“It shouldn’t affect things. Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank were both signed with me. So was Steve Collins. It’s not a problem.
“James is a good fighter. I just feel there are too many people around him who don’t understand boxing.”
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Let history decide
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