BOXING Pavlik's opponent for Nov. 21 bout is named

He puts his unbeaten record on the line against a veteran.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Boxer Kelly Pavlik's opponent for his first professional bout at home Nov. 21 at the Holiday Inn Metroplex will be veteran Rob Bleakley from Mitchellville, Ind., matchmaker Greg Augustine announced Friday.
Pavlik, a Youngstown native and graduate of Lowellville High, will risk his 10-0 record against the seasoned Bleakley, who already has 101 fights and shows a 77-22-2 record.
Their middleweight bout, scheduled for eight rounds, will headline a seven-bout card promoted by Augustine and Power Pac Productions that is being billed as "Bad Intentions."
Home debut: Pavlik, trained by Jack Loew at the Southside Boxing Club and sponsored by Top Rank, is making his professional home debut after developing a national reputation that has elevated him to a No. 14 ranking in the U.S. and No. 32 in the world.
Managed by his father, Mike, Pavlik attracted the interest of Top Rank after achieving an 89-9 amateur record and competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Augustine said he got the word Thursday from Top Rank that Bleakley will be Pavlik's next test.
"Cameron Dunkin, Kelly Pavlik's agent, called Thursday to announce [Kelly's opponent]," said Augustine, noting that, "This is [Kelly's] first eight-rounder as a pro."
Augustine said he hopes to get the two fighters together for a press conference.
"We're going to try to bring in Bleakley a few days before the fight to hold a one-on-one press conference with Pavlik," said Augustine.
Under-card: Augustine said he also has completed the pairings for five of the six bouts slated on the under-card program.
E.T. Whittaker (2-5), one of four area fighters on the under-card, will face Tyrus Armstead (10-14) of Evansville Ind., in a six-round, light-heavyweight (175 pounds) match-up.
And Joey Bullock (5-1) of Youngstown will take on Eddie Wisdom of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, in a six-round, junior welterweight (140 pounds) bout.
In addition, Mark Norge of New Castle will challenge Charlie Howe (12-3) of Grelton, Ohio, over eight rounds in the junior middleweight (154 pounds) class.
Plus, Lee Nickelson of Warren will be making his professional debut against Sam Hawkins (2-1) in a four-round, super-middleweight (160 pounds) engagement.
In a non-area bout, Dan Maldonado (6-0 with six KOs from Owensboro, Ky.) will meet Bobby Rishie (4-2) of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, in a four-round featherweight (126 pounds) scuffle.
Also billed is Ron Grear (5-2) of Toledo whose opponent has not yet been announced.
Details: Tickets cost $30 for ringside seats and $20 for general admission. Tickets are available at Trax Lounge, Krakusy Hall, Cornersburg Party Shop, Ross' Market, Cordy's Cigar Box, Bobby D's Restaurant, Nannicola, Inc., Our Place, the Wine Cellar, Colla's Barber Shop and Buena Vista Cafe.
The show's sponsors are Power Pac Productions, Miller Light, Miller Genuine Draft, the Cumulus Broadcasting Center, Eastern Offset, The Lawn Boys, North Coast Pools, The Wine Cellar, T & amp;R Party, Digital Imaging Photo Systems, Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Ground Round Warren.
For more information, call Pavlik at (330) 788-4157 or associate Mike Cefalde at (330) 792-6976.
kovach@vindy.com