Boxing Roundup: Valuev-Ruiz, Pavlik-Hopkins & De La Hoya-Pacquiao?

Former heavyweight (alpha)beltholders Nikolay Valuev and John Ruiz are slated to meet for the vacant WBA title on August 30 in Berlin in a bout that will undoubtedly be painful to watch and has absolutely no chance of ever resurfacing on ESPN Classics ... or anywhere else for that matter. Valuev scored a somewhat disputed majority decision over Ruiz in their first meeting in December 2005. The Valuev-Ruiz II winner will be obligated to face WBC "champion in recess" Ruslan Chagaev, out with an Achilles tendon injury, no later than June 26, 2009.

Middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik will move up in weight to take on former middleweight and light heavyweight champ Bernard Hopkins on October 18 in Atlantic City, N.J. The non-title bout will take place at a catchweight of 170 pounds. Once Joe Calzaghe signed to fight Roy Jones Jr., the 43-year-old Hopkins became the most attractive opponent available. Pavlik-Calzaghe could happen early next year ... but only if both fighters take care of business against their future Hall of Fame - and still dangerous - opponents.

Manny Pacquiao began his career at 106 pounds and has won titles at 112, 122, 126, 130 and, just last month, 135 against David Diaz. So, logically, his next fight will be at ... 147?!?! That's right, the idea of Pacquiao jumping up another two weight classes to face Oscar De La Hoya has transitioned rapidly from crazy speculation to realistic possibility. The Golden Boy is looking for an opponent for his "final fight" on December 6. Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito, Ricky Hatton, Felix Trinidad and Sergio Mora have all been mentioned for the lucrative date. Cotto (who has to get past Margarito first) is the logical choice if Oscar wants the greatest challenge from someone currently fighting at between 140 and 154. Pacquiao, however, makes the most sense if Oscar wants the most intriguing opponent ... and the biggest payday. Stay tuned . . .