By Marc Gliddon: For years I have thought Kelly Pavlik (36,2 32KOs), and Carl Froch (26,1 20KOs) have many things in common. Both men have won world titles at a time of weak competition and against questionable opposition, both men favour conventional straight power shots over boxing skills and both men come from traditional white working class areas. But now they share another similarity and that is they both might have nowhere to go – except a possible match up with each other.

This idea is not as far fetched as it may first appear. Pavlik has had massive problems with making weight for fights even before winning his world titles against Jermain Taylor, often not eating anything for days before a fight. So a move up to the super middle weight division would seem practical. Also, with the current politics and bureaucracy surrounding his former straps now held by Martinez, means that a rematch could take a while to sort out, even if there is a rematch clause in the initial contract. There is a lot of debate if Pavlik would be able to win a rematch as well after being completely out fought by the quicker more skilful Martinez. So Pavlik has two options, give up (retire), or step up (move up to super-middle weight). But, if he moves up he isn’t going to be able to get into the super six tournament, so what options does he have? Enter Carl Froch.

Carl Froch seems increasingly disillusioned with the super six tournament after being beaten by Kessler in Denmark. He blames unfair scoring due to kessler’s home town advantage for losing (most of us disagree though), and is insisting on Nottingham, England being the venue for the next stage in the competition. Already the rumours and speculation have suggested that if he doesn’t get this he will pull out of the tournament. In which case, with the exception of Lucian Bute, what other world class fighters are there outside the super six are there in the super middle weight division. This may be a little premature as he hasn’t pulled out of the tournament yet, but Froch has the type of temperament to through his toys out of the pram until he gets what he wants. I can’t see Froch having the influence to say where he wants future fights as there are plenty of successful promoters who can afford big purse bids and dictate where the fight may happen in the Super Six.

With all this in mind the similarities start showing themselves again, both men would only fight big names, both have been exposed at the highest stature of world level boxing and both men desperately need to win to regain their careers.

I can’t see any reason why they shouldn’t fight. Imagine it: it would be a good matchup, with an exciting clash of styles. Neither men are too fussy about defence, either covering up or foot movement, and both men will take shots to land their impressive power shots.

I predict cuts, knockdowns, hard fought rounds difficult to score, and the fight ultimately being decided on heart and a good chin. So who wins? I think it all comes down to who wants it more, my prediction: the Cobra to TKO Pavlik after gradually wearing him down: Carl Froch to extend his winning record by late stoppage. Who do you think will have the edge Pavlik or Froch? Please comment.