Ward vs Pavlik being rescheduled, but February 23 date not finalized

Promoter Dan Goossen says that Andre Ward doesn't need surgery on his right shoulder, and that his fight with Kelly Pavlik is being rescheduled. The two had a January 26 HBO date set, but that was scrapped due to the injury to Ward.

Previously, it was reported the fight would move to February 23, but Goossen says that's not finalized yet.

Ward (26-0, 14 KO) is considered an overwhelming favorite against Pavlik (40-2, 34 KO). While Ward has been blitzing through the opposition at 168 pounds with little resistance offered against the division's top fighters such as Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, and Sakio Bika (who probably gave Ward the toughest fight of the lot), Pavlik has dealt with frequent issues outside the ring, including stints in rehab for alcohol abuse, and other incidents that led to several canceled fights, including bouts with the likes of Paul Williams and Lucian Bute.

Ward last fought on September 8, stopping Chad Dawson. Pavlik was last seen in July, outpointing Will Rosinsky.