BOXING Pavlik to fight July 2 in Struthers

The unbeaten local will meet Pedro Ortega at the Struthers Field House.
AUSTINTOWN -- A snappy press conference Thursday afternoon at Antonio's VIP Club had a quartet of the Kelly Pavlik boxing family holding center stage to promote his July 2 bout against Pedro Ortega at Struthers Field House.
The newest member of Pavlik's entourage is Tony Scandy, a 1987 graduate of Chaney High who manages Antonio's VIP Club.
Scandy, a former local Golden Gloves boxer, is a longtime boxing fan and an ardent fan of Pavlik.
"I went to the Southside Boxing Club about four years ago and did some sparring with Kelly and that really made me a believer in how good he is, how good he can be and how hard he hits," said Scandy.
"Over the years I have developed a good relationship with Kelly and when the opportunity arose in the past year for me to become involved with his career, a financial arrangement was agreed upon," he added. "Now I will be involved in helping a career that I believe is one of the best in professional boxing today."
Record is 20-0
Pavlik, who has a record of 20-0 with 18 knockouts, is happy to get back in the ring.
"What I am really happy about is fighting at home," he said. "It has always been very special for me because when I am in front of my hometown crowd, my energy level is as high as it can be and though I am undefeated and most of my fights have been on the road, my performance level is so much better when I fight at home."
Ortega is a 31-year old veteran from Tijuana, Mexico with a 30-13-1 record that includes 19 knockouts.
"He is plenty tough and he has been in the ring with some good people, but I am ready for him or anybody else," said Pavlik.
Pavlik's trainer, Jack Loew, is pleased with his fighter's physical preparation.
"Kelly is probably in the best shape of his pro career," he said. "He is ready to fight, not only Ortega, but any middleweight or super middle-weight in the world.
"He is healthier than he has ever been as a pro and we aren't looking beyond this fight, but it is definitely time for Top Rank to make a move for him."
Fight to be televised
Pavlik is scheduled to enter the ring around 9 p.m. with the Telefutura Network televising the fight.
"Kelly had some great amateur performances at the Struthers Field House and it is good to have him fighting as a pro there, which is just two to three minutes from our house," said his father and co-manager, Mike Pavlik. It is because of this proximity that the card has been labeled "Backyard Brawl."
Tickets are on sale for $100 (gold ringside), $50 (ringside), $35 (reserved) and $20 (general admission). They can be purchased at Southside Boxing Club (330-501-5713); Cordy's Cigar Box, Girard; Bob's Barber Shop, Youngstown; Clemens Wine Cellar, Youngstown; Bobby D's Restaurant; Vick and Syl's Eatery, Struthers; Nannicola Inc., Warren, and Antonio's, Raccoon Road.
Sponsors of the fight are Outback Steakhouse and A A Samuels Heating & amp; Cooling.
The remainder of the card is expected to be announced on Tuesday.