Fans rally to support Pavlik, win tickets to Atlantic City bout

YOUNGSTOWN —Ryan and Kerry Forbes of Youngstown really, really wanted to win tickets to the Kelly Pavlik-Bernard Hopkins fight in Atlantic City.

They were among those who designed signs for today’s public pep rally at the Chevrolet Centre to promote the fight.

The Forbes took the contest a step further.

Ryan dressed like an executioner (Hopkins’ boxing nickname) with his wife dressed as a ghost (Pavlik’s boxing moniker). Both wore boxing gloves and carried signs.

One side of Kerry’s sign read: “Take us to the fight, Kelly.”

The Forbes, who spent four days on the costumes and signs, were among the four finalists for three pairs of tickets.

“We have to go to the fight,” Ryan Forbes said before the contest.

But if they go, they’re going to have to pay for the tickets.

The crowd at the thought the other three finalists were better, leaving the Forbes without freebies.

That didn’t make the couple, who live near Pavlik’s parents, less supportive of the middleweight boxing champion.

The Forbes were among about 500 people at the rally promoting the fight.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.