By: Jim Amato
Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik was forced to make a decision. Fight or lose his title…Despite his well documented medical problems he was forced to confront this situation. In boxing’s bullshit politics it became a do or die call for Team Pavlik. Despite all the problems Kelly has endured they have made the decision to fight.

The opponent will be the formidable Miguel Espino. The fight will take place December 19th at the Beeghly Center at Youngstown State University. It will likely be a sell out crowd of Pavlik supporters. In my humble opinion Espino was a good choice by Team Pavlik. Why ?

In total honesty Espino’s record does not merit a title shot. Although it is a glossy 20-2-1, he has lost to the two best fighters he has met. He dropped a decision to Daniel Edouard and he lost to Peter Manfredo Jr. in the “Contender” TV series. He has defeated some decent boxers like Jonathan Reid, Dorian Beaupierre and Arturo Ortega. Hardly enough though to merit a shot at the brass ring.

At this point in time though I feel Espino is a good foe for Kelly. It is a fighter Kelly should beat to break off the ring rust. Back in the days of just the WBA and WBC, champions fought many non title fights just to stay sharp. Turn back the hands of time and Pavlik – Espino would have been regarded as a non – title affair in my day.

Hopefully this confrontation will be competitve and fan friendly. If Kelly wins in front of a roaring hometown crowd, I would like to see him back in action in February 2010. Maybe against a higher profile fighter like John Duddy or Manfredo Jr. Again these are boxers Kelly should beat. If so, let’s hope to see Kelly Pavlik – Paul Williams in the Spring of 2010.