Pavlik has Hagan behind him

State Rep. Bob Hagan was impressed by Kelly Pavlik the first time he met him.

By JOHN BASSETTI

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

LAS VEGAS — In his best speech inside a casino yet, Bob Hagan’s philosophy on the Pavlik-Taylor fight sounded downright neutral.

“Whether it’s win, lose or draw is immaterial, you just hope for a good fight and the representation of Youngstown in high fashion.”

OK, Bob, go sit in the politically correct corner.

Obviously, Hagan, the state representative from the 60th district, had Pavlik’s best interests at heart for Saturday night’s fight. It’s not uncommon to have politics and sports intertwined; look no further than the U.S. House hearings on baseball and the steroids issue.

While standing in a lobby of the MGM Grand Saturday afternoon, Hagan said his presence in Las Vegas served a two-fold purpose.

One, he was showing his support and he was enjoying the trip with family.

“I met Pavlik at a get-together inside a garage with 15 Youngstown city police officers,” Hagan said. “A bunch of us were drinking beer and having a good time. It was the first time I met him and it was great. I was impressed with him right away. He was personable, but he’s so proud of his community and his family. That’s the kind of character you like representing Youngstown.”

Other than the usual jawing between fighters for publicity’s sake, Hagan doesn’t see any animosity because Pavlik is white and Taylor black,

“You hope it doesn’t reduce itself to a racial divide; that we’re sophisticated enough to know that this is sport. Regardless of the outcome, it could be a victory for both hometowns because Taylor and Pavlik are both hard-knock young men, who come from areas that are struggling and backgrounds that are struggling.”

Hagan made the trip with his 32-year-old son, Tommy, and Hagan’s brother-in-law, Bob Savage.

Earlier Saturday, Hagan joined Savage, who paid a visit to a Nanette Lepore Designs shop inside Caesars Palace. It is one of the 8 stores in the U.S., along with two others in London and Tokyo, that are owned by Lepore, Savage’s wife.

Back at the MGM were some of Hagan’s constituents: Moe Xenikis, Stelio Frangopoulos and Jon Lambrinos, all of Campbell. Xenikis may not have a fashion shop, but he is also a businessman as owner of the Campbell Party Shop and Soup City Deli, both on 12th St.

While on the subject of shops, Jack Loew, Pavlik’s trainer, was spotted looking at leather coats with his family inside a Bernini clothing shop inside the MGM.

bassetti@vindy.coma