Dawson-Hopkins II: What’s left for Jean Pascal?

By Boxing News - 01/26/2012 - Comments

Image: Dawson-Hopkins II: What's left for Jean Pascal?By Frank Boileau: It seems that the Bernard Hopkins – Chad Dawson drama will carry on. Gary Shaw (Dawson’s promoter) announced that a fight between the two Americans will take place on April 28th.

Their first fight drew a disappointing small crowd at the Staples Center and the sale of Pay-Per-View were no good either. Now the Dawson-Hopkins rematch has direct repercussions on both Canadian boxing stars Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal.

1 – For Lucian Bute it’s great news.

Showtime will have to forget about a duel between the Romanian born Bute and Bernard Hopkins which is good news in my opinion. Now I understand the network preference on Bute fighting an American fighter but a bout against Froch seems to be a much better option.

2 – For Jean Pascal, it is not very good news.

Either Hopkins or Dawson will not be available for a fight against Pascal before the fall. B-Hop and Bad Chad aside, Tavoris Cloud is by far the most interesting potential matchup. but he is already booked in a fight against Gabriel Campillo in February. Same story for Nathan Cleverly, WBO champion, who will face Tommy Karpency February 25. Anyway, in the case of Cloud, his promoter Don King is too demanding for a Pascal-Cloud fight to materialize. King wants options on Pascal in case he beats his fighter and Pascal’s people (GYM) aren’t going give it up since Pascal is the draw.

So what’s left for Jean Pascal?

Ismayl Sillakh?

Of course, this fight would be very competitive. Sillakh displays good boxing qualities but the problem is that he is not yet sufficiently known for major networks such as HBO or Showtime. Moreover, it is a case of high risk, no reward. Pascal has everything to lose in such a confrontation. If he wins, he doesn’t add much to his record but if he looses, he looses big. He might loose his chance to face the winner of Hopkins-Dawson …

Zsolt Erdei?

He was supposed to take on Tavoris Cloud on last December 31 but he had to cancel due to an injury to his right hand. He could probably be ready for a clash with Pascal in April. This Hungarian is not an easy target either. He is still undefeated and represents a risk to most of the 175 pounders. If GYM can bring him to Montreal, it would be a very attractive option for them.

Beibut Shumenov?

An experienced guy that’s undefeated. He currently holds the WBA title which makes him an interesting target too. The Kazakh had a chat with Pascal after his last victory and seemed to be open to square off with Pascal if the bout takes place in Vegas.

Edison Miranda?

Could be interesting. They had a feud few years ago. This could be a “stay in shape” fight for Pascal. And if presented at the Montreal Bell Centre, the fight could draw 8 to 10 thousand fans. Pascal’s last fight was in last may when he lost his title to Bernard Hopkins. He has to stay active and remain sharp for next fall because could be involved in a championship fight against the Dawson-Hopkins winner. Especially if its Dawson.

Hope to see Pascal and Bute back in action soon!



Comments are closed.