Pavlik’s impact debatable

Boxer Kelly Pavlik’s improbable rise from unknown slugger to middleweight champion has certainly garnered attention, both locally and nationally, but what many boxing fans want to know is, is Pavlik-Mania making the fight game more popular?

Before Pavlik’s victory over Jermain Taylor in September, Top Rank Boxing chairman Bob Arum predicted Pavlik would revitalize boxing in the Midwest.

He’s not backing away from that declaration.

But boxing promoter Acri says people shouldn’t get ahead of themselves with Pavlik.

“He hasn’t defended his title yet,” Acri said. “He’s only had one [title] fight. Let’s not get silly.”

Complete story appears in Wednesday’s edition.