BOXING Pavlik is back training for July 1 bout at Cafaro

He will do more sparring this week to prepare for opponent Rico Cason.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Middleweight Kelly Pavlik went back to training last weekend to continue preparation for his July 1 fight with Rico Cason.
Pavlik (17-0, 16 knockouts) and Cason will be the co-feature, a 10-rounder, at Cafaro Field.
On Saturday, Pavlik not only had an intense workout, but also a hectic public relations schedule.
Pavlik had his first sparring session in five days at the "The Fighters Against Drugs" gym in Akron. He went five rounds against middleweight Sam Harvey.
"It was good work, just the kind of sparring I needed," said Pavlik. "Harvey has good hand speed and gave me a lot of different defensive looks. He did some good counter-punching when I opened up with combinations and he gave me all I could handle, which was just what I needed.
"In the last few rounds I was working better inside which I will have to do against Cason," he added.
More sparring
According to his trainer, Jack Loew, Pavlik's sparring schedule will be increased this week to prepare him for the possible 10 rounds he may have to go against Cason.
In his previous 17 pro fights, Pavlik has never been scheduled for more than six rounds and only one has gone the distance, once so endurance will be a factor against Cason (16-7).
Pavlik is expected to have another sparring session today at the Southside Boxing Club. "We are shooting for eight rounds and if Kelly feels up to it we could go for more," said Loew.
Threw out first pitch
Later Saturday, Pavlik threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mahoning Valley Scrappers home game. He then made an appearance at a restaurant at Eastwood Mall, where he talked with fans as films of his fights were shown.
On Sunday, Pavlik "sparred" with Loew for several rounds and signed autographs.
A boxing commission meeting in Cleveland is expected to approve the July 1 card on Wednesday. The weigh-ins will take place in Eastwood Mall June 30.
Tickets, priced at $100, $50, $25 and $15, remain on sale at outlets throughout the Valley.