What’s next for the boxing champ?

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — As talk of a rematch with Jermain Taylor swirled around the boxing world Sunday, Youngstown’s Kelly Pavlik had his sights set elsewhere.

“I want to go after the IBF and WBA titles,” said Pavlik, who won the WBC and WBC titles Saturday night. “They have me listed as the undisputed champion, but until I get those belts, I don’t think I am.”

Taylor’s contract with Pavlik contains a rematch clause at the super middleweight level, which Taylor said he’d activate following Saturday’s fight.

After a few days of deliberation, however, Taylor’s camp may choose to decline the option — they must tell Top Rank their intentions quickly — or opt to fight Pavlik later on.

A rematch would certainly draw fan interest, but considering Taylor fought well (he was ahead on all three cards after six rounds) and still got knocked out, his handlers may worry a rematch would bring a similar result.

Right now, Taylor is still a big name. A second-straight knockout loss to Pavlik would crush his career.

“They hold the keys,” said Top Rank president Todd DuBoef, whose company has represented Pavlik since he turned pro in 2000. “Obviously, we’ll do what we have to do contractually.

“My guess is we’ll discuss it next week.”

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.