Staying humble Pavlik’s trainer remains true to his roots

Jack Loew’s world hasn’t
changed substantially since
last September’s big win.

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — Jack Loew had just returned home from Atlantic City, where his fighter, Kelly Pavlik, had won the middleweight title, a culmination of seven years of hard work and patience and resilience and all those other qualities you need to make it to the top of a cut-throat boxing world.

So, to celebrate, Loew had breakfast at Denny’s.

“This old lady recognized me, and when I went to pay the check, they told me, ‘Don’t worry, it’s already been paid,’ ” Loew said. “I was kind of embarrassed.”

A day later, he was back at his job as a driveway sealer — he used some of his cut of the winnings to upgrade his equipment — before going to the Southside Boxing Club afterward to train his amateurs.

“There’s a lot of perks,” Loew said of his newfound fame. “But me and Kelly are pretty basic guys.”

Loew is a lot like his hometown: tough, uncomplicated, blunt and slow to change. Outside of buying a new car — a black Lincoln — Loew’s life isn’t much different than it was in September.

Sure, he can hack away at some nicer golf courses. Sure, he gets a few more calls on his cell phone, particularly from pesky reporters. And, sure, he doesn’t have to worry about picking up every tab when he eats out. (When asked if he’s worried about gaining weight from all those free meals, he said, “Um, no. I’m in great physical condition. I can eat with the best of them.”)

In short, he’s the same guy. A guy’s guy. He likes a good beer and a good cigar. He likes to curse. He’s the type of guy who, when Pavlik was teasing him about wearing pink underwear in the gym a few weeks ago, he didn’t hesitate to show evidence proving otherwise.

And that’s when he’s showing restraint. Let’s just say that when Loew’s in the gym, the phrase “full moon” isn’t necessarily limited to the night sky.

One thing has changed.

Boxing, at least in Youngstown, is getting popular again.

A year ago, Loew had about 15 fighters training regularly at the Southside Boxing Club. He has at least 30 now, which is stretching the limits of his tiny gym. Loew doesn’t advertise — “There are still people in Youngstown who don’t know where we are,” he said — and doesn’t really have room to put anyone else.

“I’ve never turned down a fighter and I never will,” he said. “But I definitely need a bigger place.”

If — or when, as Loew likes to say — Pavlik beats Taylor again, he’ll be able to do something about that. His gym is barely big enough for a ring, two heavy bags, a speed bag and a desk.

Fighters often jump rope outdoors, figuring it’s easier than trying to maneuver around fellow boxers.

Loew, who has been at Southside since 1988, has been thinking about expansion for years. When George McKelvey was mayor, he approached city officials several times, asking for help in getting a new building.

“Every time, I received a flat no,” said Loew, who hasn’t approached anyone in Jay Williams’ administration. “I was rudely told no.”

So, Loew figured, he’d stay put. No one helped him get started, so why should anyone help him grow?

Then, as Pavlik’s career took off — going from a tough little 10-year-old to a promising amateur to a future champ — Loew suddenly saw the chance to make enough money to expand.

He figured he’d need about 4,000 square feet.

A new building would be ideal, but there weren’t a lot of lots he liked on the city’s main thoroughfare. (Southside Boxing Club is about a mile east of Market Street).

He’s considered knocking down a wall inside the gym and expanding.

Or refurbishing an existing building.

But it’d have to be in the city. He’s not moving to Boardman or Liberty.

One thing’s for certain — he’s not worried about it this week. Loew knows he’s in the middle of something special, which is why he hasn’t added any new pro fighters to his ranks since September and why he’s putting all his energy into preparing Pavlik for Saturday’s rematch with Jermain Taylor.

“There’s some kids I’m interested in,” he said.

“Top Rank, I don’t want to say they gave me the green light, but I’ve been assured by the upper brass that if there’s a fighter I’m high on, they’ll help me out.”

In the meantime, Loew will do what he does best, training Pavlik, sealing driveways, eating at Denny’s, cracking jokes, hanging out with his family.

He might make a little more money than before, but he still wears T-shirts, still talks Cardinal Mooney football, still has that giant chip on his shoulder he’s been carrying his whole life, when people were foolish enough to judge him by his height, not his heart.

But change? No way.

If you’re expecting that, well, to borrow a phrase, you don’t know Jack.

scalzo@vindy.com