Mancini, Arroyo celebrate Pavlik

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — A few hours after Saturday night’s fight, hundreds of delirious fans celebrated in the lobby of Bally’s Atlantic City, awaiting Kelly Pavlik’s triumphant return.

Taking in the scene, former Youngstown boxer Harry Arroyo smiled and said, “I wasn’t that big. He’s a superstar now.

“He makes even Ray [Mancini] look small.”

Until Saturday night, Mancini, the former WBC, WBA and NABF lightweight champ, had been the most beloved boxer in Valley history. As he celebrated into the night, he didn’t seem to mind passing the torch.

“This is an unbelievable night for Youngstown,” Mancini said. “He’s now the face of boxing.

“He couldn’t have fought a better fight.”

Like nearly everyone else in the Boardwalk Hall crowd, Mancini held his breath when Jermain Taylor put Pavlik on the canvas in the second round. When Pavlik got up, the fear disappeared.

“He took [Taylor’s] heart away,” Mancini said.

Mancini’s cell phone had been ringing constantly since the end of the fight. He even got a call from Ursuline High graduate Ed O’Neill (aka Al Bundy).

“He told me to tell the kid he was so happy for him and the city of Youngstown, that they deserve it and he deserves it,” said Mancini.

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.