VIDEO: Pavlik exhibit opens Sunday at Butler

Kelly Pavlik: Path to Greatness

Video

Part of the exhibition "The Path to Greatness: Images of Kelly Pavlik" featuring photographs by Vindicator photographers William D. Lewis and Robert K. Yosay.

Pavlik exhibit opens Sunday at Butler

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Kelly Pavlik recalls a single moment from his triumphant night when he became middleweight boxing champion.

It was in the dramatic seventh round when Pavlik knocked out champ Jermain Taylor. Seconds before his finishing flurry, Pavlik saw a nerve twitch up the arm and neck of Taylor.

It came after a Pavlik punch. At that moment, Taylor’s side seemed to collapse a bit.

“I knew I had him,” Pavlik said.

His trainer Jack Loew said he watched the fight video later to see if he could see what Pavlik saw. Loew had been amazed that amid the rush of a fight, a boxer could pick up something so subtle as a nerve twitch.

On the video, there it was.

It’s that story and the images of Pavlik that comprise a new exhibit at the Butler Institute of American Art, which starts Sunday with a free reception at 1 p.m. and appearances by Loew and Pavlik.

“The Path to Greatness: Images of Kelly Pavlik” is a 39-photo exhibit of Vindicator photographers William D. Lewis and Robert K. Yosay.

The photos cover their work dating back to Pavlik’s Chevrolet Centre fight, his training for Taylor, the Taylor fight, and the Youngstown homecoming.

A special feature of the reception and the exhibit will be Pavlik and Loew offering behind-the-scenes insights and sidelights to the 39 photos.

Their talk is not always serious, however.

Pavlik always has his cell phone with him, and one photo shows that. Loew needled Pavlik for not answering his calls. Pavlik explained that during Loew’s calls is when he has signal problems.

“All my calls?” asked Loew.

“Yeah,” answered Pavlik.

The Vindicator is thrilled for the event as it shows off the great work of two professionals and also allows a more thorough look at the moments that led to greatness.

“The Pavlik event is the local sports moment for this generation. It will be a lifetime memory for the region much like Ray Mancini was 25 years ago,” said Vindicator Editor Todd Franko. “A newspaper has a great front row seat for it, and to team with Butler and Pavlik to present it this way is fantastic for the community.”

After Sunday’s opening, the exhibit will stay up at the Butler through Jan. 13. There is no charge to visit the art museum at 524 Wick Ave.