MOST REGRETTABLE
Kelly Pavlik?s decision: The reason Pavlik gave for pulling out of his fight against Darryl Cunningham on Saturday night was plausible; he wouldn?t be the first well-paid athlete to feel cheated by those who pay him. And those who attributed his actions to some alcohol-induced meltdown might?ve been presumptuous. The bottom line is this, though: He blew it. Pavlik was due to make $50,000-plus to fight Cunningham and $1.35 million to fight Lucain Bute next. That?s fair pay given his losses to Bernard Hopkins and Sergio Martinez and personal problems ? a serious hand infection and treatment for excessive drinking ? that have hindered his career. He is no longer the hard-punching middleweight phenomenon who once terrorized the division. He?s a fighter trying to rebuild what he once had. He should’ve fought Cunningham, which probably wouldn?t have been a difficult fight, and then upset Bute to state loudly and clearly, ?I?m back.? Then he would have the leverage to demand the money he feels he deserves.
MOST DAMAGING
Pavlik?s decision: Showtime months ago made Pavlik its star attraction on its broadcast this past Saturday, which involved a considerable investment in time and money. The network had to cancel the show when Pavlik pulled out the week of the fight. Will Showtime ever feature Pavlik again? Highly doubtful. And HBO officials obviously were paying attention. They?d be nuts to schedule Pavlik in one of their main events at this point. Friday Night Fights on ESPN2? Not enough money for Pavlik, who apparently has an inflated view of his value as a commodity. So where does he go? Good question. Bob Arum, his promoter, might have enough influence to get Pavlik on the undercard of a Showtime or HBO broadcast if the fighter apologizes and promises to behave. However, Pavlik has alienated Arum too. The promoter must decide whether Pavlik is worth the headaches. Even Jack Loew, Pavlik?s trainer and friend, seems to be fed up. Pavlik would be wise to hire a good public relations firm right about now for some major damage control. His career is a mess.
