By Kirk Jackson: After his decisive defeat to Sergio Martinez in his most recent fight at middleweight, Kelly Pavlik has decided to move up in weight from 160 pounds, to 168 or 175 pounds. Some are wondering, Why the move up in weight?

There has been talk Pavlik has been having a lot of trouble making it down to the 160 pound weight limit and it may have affected his past performances in the ring.

Another reason is he probably doesn’t want to fight Martinez again, who presents many style problems for Pavlik, being a very quick, elusive southpaw.

The question is going forward, who can Kelly Pavlik fight and be effective against moving up to these higher divisions? Granted he will probably be 2 or 3 tune ups against lesser opposition so he can get better accustomed to the weights, but after that, who can Pavlik face?

Most of the top fighters in the super middleweight division are occupied in the Super Six Tournament and that probably won’t end until late next year, and may even extend further beyond that. One option for Kelly Pavlik is facing the IBF Champion Lucian Bute, who may arguably be the best fighter in the division but lacks the mainstream star recognition. Bute is also a stylistic night mare for Pavlik, as he is just as big as Kelly and he is also a skillful, counter punching, quick southpaw.

Former contender turned gate keeper Edison Miranda also lurks in the division, and a rematch with the brawler could be a good option for Pavlik. Sakio Bika, Brian Vera, guys who may not be elite fighters but have a recognizable name can be solid opportunities for Pavlik at 168.

In the light heavyweight division there is Bernard Hopkins, who handed Pavlik his first defeat, Chad Dawson, another quick southpaw with boxing ability who is a natural 175 pounder, and Glen Johnson, a tough, swarming, iron chinned warrior capable of overwhelming most fighters.

Perhaps Kelly Pavlik will feel stronger in the higher weights but if an older Bernard Hopkins at times was able to rough up and bully Pavlik, then the Youngtown star may have some problems in the future. There is also the dilemma of whether Kelly will change trainers. Perhaps obtaining the services of a trainer that can add more versatility to Kelly’s style, possibly implementing a new style altogether in order to be effective in the higher weights.

Either way, it seems like a tough path for the former middleweight champ in any of the higher divisions he chooses to set up shop at.