Kelly Pavlik vs Felix Sturm (2009)

[EdwardRevolver1993]

As archives tell us, HBO once offered a "lowball" amount of $2 million for a potential October 3 2009 fight between middleweight champions Kelly Pavlik and Felix Sturm.

So, this fight was once considered. But looked like there was no real interest in it. It was said that Sturm would have to travel to the US for the 1st time since DLH fight. But compared to what he could make fighting in Germany, the money offered by HBO was peanuts for him.

As a result, the fight hasn't materialized.

But how do you see that fight going in fall of 2009?

[giacomino]

As archives tell us, HBO once offered a "lowball" amount of $2 million for a potential October 3 2009 fight between middleweight champions Kelly Pavlik and Felix Sturm.

So, this fight was once considered. But looked like there was no real interest in it. It was said that Sturm would have to travel to the US for the 1st time since DLH fight. But compared to what he could make fighting in Germany, the money offered by HBO was peanuts for him.

As a result, the fight hasn't materialized.

But how do you see that fight going in fall of 2009?

Interesting period for the fight. Pavlik would be in between being outpointed by Hopkins and, a year of two later, losing his title to Martinez. Both were better boxers than Sturm. Meanwhile Sturm was in a period of beating nobodies before stepping up a few years later. IMO, if Castillejo, a blownup Jr. Middleweight with a slightly above average punch could take out Sturm, Pavlik would. If the bout were in Germany, maybe Sturm tries to last the distance and hope for a favorable decision but I would bet Pavlik, TKO8

[EdwardRevolver1993]

As archives tell us, HBO once offered a "lowball" amount of $2 million for a potential October 3 2009 fight between middleweight champions Kelly Pavlik and Felix Sturm.

So, this fight was once considered. But looked like there was no real interest in it. It was said that Sturm would have to travel to the US for the 1st time since DLH fight. But compared to what he could make fighting in Germany, the money offered by HBO was peanuts for him.

As a result, the fight hasn't materialized.

But how do you see that fight going in fall of 2009?

Interesting period for the fight. Pavlik would be in between being outpointed by Hopkins and, a year of two later, losing his title to Martinez. Both were better boxers than Sturm. Meanwhile Sturm was in a period of beating nobodies before stepping up a few years later. IMO, if Castillejo, a blownup Jr. Middleweight with a slightly above average punch could take out Sturm, Pavlik would. If the bout were in Germany, maybe Sturm tries to last the distance and hope for a favorable decision but I would bet Pavlik, TKO8

That's a sound breakdown. I agree, for the most part.

I think, pre-Hopkins Pavlik would've stopped Sturm late. But as you pointed out, Pavlik was at crossroads in late 2009. He fell off from the prime Pavlik. However, I also think Pavlik's performance against Martinez is somewhat underrated. He wasn't really poor there. Had his moments.

So, I think post-Hopkins might still have enough for Sturm. Sturm will have his moments, but Pavlik outworks him to a decision.

[gilgamesh]

I think Pavlik could stop Sturm. Something like this quickly on the heels of the loss to Hopkins probably would've been good for his mentality honestly.

[EdwardRevolver1993]

I think Pavlik could stop Sturm. Something like this quickly on the heels of the loss to Hopkins probably would've been good for his mentality honestly.

Indeed. That's a good point.

[Les Norton]

I think Pavlik was too strong for Sturm and would beat him down until the ref, corner or Felix himself called it off in 8-10 rounds.
Sturm was a very good middleweight but Kelly Pavlik was a beast, not a bloated Oscar de la Hoya

[margaret thatcher]

ya pavlik would break sturm