Success hasn’t changed the champ

By GREG GULAS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

BOARDMAN — Since winning the world middleweight championship last month over Jermain Taylor, free time is at a premium for Kelly Pavlik and his trainer, Jack Loew.

It’s a demand that can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on which way you look at it.

That being said, Team Pavlik welcomes the attention as they now eye the champ’s next fight.

Speaking at Monday’s weekly Curbstone Coaches meeting at the Blue Wolf Banquet Center, Pavlik made one thing clear — he hasn’t changed one bit since winning the title.

“Right after the Olympic Trials in 2000, the Curbstone Coaches were there for me and I truly appreciate all that they have done for me and the local sports scene over the years. They were one of the first to call requesting my services at one of their meetings, and today I am only too happy to return to be with them once again,” Pavlik said.

“The fans of Youngstown and all of the support that they have given me over the year is most appreciated. They helped me get out of the second round and gave me strength against Taylor,” he added.

The reigning WBO, WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight title holder would also like to own the other two title belts; that from the IBF and the WBA.

Standing in his way for the IBF belt is Arthur “King Arthur” Abraham of Germany while Felix Sturm, also of Germany, is the roadblock in the WBA.

Fighting in Germany isn’t on Pavlik’s or promoter Bob Arum’s radar screen right now, but a fight in Youngstown is more than just an afterthought.

“[Bob] Arum wants a fight in Youngstown really bad and the only place big enough to accommodate that request is YSU’s Stambaugh Stadium,” Loew noted.

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” he added.

Pavlik, who has trained with Loew since he was 9 years old, feels blessed with Jack in his corner.

“I was told that I need to get a new trainer and other things along that line. My deal is that if it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it.

“Jack knows me and can read my eyes. That’s really important. He will now get the recognition that he deserves and I am happy for that,” Pavlik added.

In between appearances for Arum and his group, Top Rank, Pavlik was a guest of the Cleveland Browns where the champ had the honors of the honorary coin flip prior to their game against the Miami Dolphins Oct. 14.

He threw out the first pitch at Game 4 of the Indians-Red Sox League Championship Series last Tuesday and this Saturday helped to kick off YSU’s Centennial Celebration and homecoming festivities with the honorary coin toss.

Team Pavlik will be in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Oct. 30 where Kelly will receive the WBO “Fighter of the Year” award. “Being named fighter of the year is quite an honor for me. I dreamt of being in a title fight, then being champ and to now receive a ring and belt like the greats of the game is an honor,” Pavlik said.

Pavlik and crew will be at the Miguel Cotto-Shane Mosley WBA welterweight title fight Nov. 10 at Madison Square Garden, and then on Nov. 17, Team Pavlik will be sideline guests of Jim Tressel when Ohio State meets Michigan.

Two days later they will be the featured guests at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center for the “Night of Champions” event (ticket information can be obtained by calling Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center).

Kelly’s advice to young boxers is simple: “Stay with it and give it your all because boxing is a sport that can end for you tomorrow with one quick punch. Fight every fight like it is a title fight,” he said.

Next week’s guest will be Tisha Hill, YSU’s women’s basketball coach.