Pavlik event benefits kids

Pavlik Training

Video

The Vindicator photographer William D. Lewis takes a look at Kelly Pavlik training at the Southside Boxing Club

Local fans were happy to get the boxer’s photograph and signature.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

NILES — If there’s any waning interest in middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, one certainly couldn’t tell Saturday by the large crowed gathered at Eastwood Mall looking for some one-on-one time with the boxer.

Pavlik signed photos, boxing gloves and virtually anything fans carried to the mall for him to sign. The line of fans stretched hundreds of feet from the WFMJ-TV 21 studio, ending at the Sears Department Store at the end of the mall corridor.

WFMJ partnered with Home Savings and Loan to sponsor the event. Photos of the boxer were provided, but fans were encouraged to make donations. All donations went to the Potential Development Program, a Youngstown-area program for autistic children through grade eight, and for preschool pupils with developmental delays.

Pavlik arrived at 10 a.m. but his fans started lining up long before that. Madonna Chism-Pinkard, WFMJ community relations director, said about 200 people were waiting outside the studio by 7:30 a.m.

“This has been a bigger success than anticipated, and all of it is for Potential Development. That is wonderful,” she said.

She said more than 2,000 serious fans filed through the line to see Pavlik. At one point during the signing a fire alarm rang through the mall. The alarm was turned off several minutes later, but no one gave up their place in line upon hearing the warning.

Atty. Jeff Adler of Hubbard and his 9-year-old son Jared got in line to see Pavlik shortly before 9 a.m. After waiting 90 minutes, Jared emerged from the line smiling and holding a new prized possession — a boxing glove with Pavlik’s name stenciled across the knuckle.

Joe Schiavoni, Pavlik’s attorney, said the smiling faces of children are a big reason why Pavlik takes the time to make such public appearances. “The kids really get pumped up and he enjoys it once he sees the reaction from the kids and all the people,” he said.

Ruth Smith of Austintown said she worked in the cafeteria at Austintown Fitch High School during the year Pavlik attended the school. She missed his championship fight, but came out to show her support at the signing. She stood to the side of the line until she managed to get a smile and signed photo from the boxer.

“He came through my line at Fitch every day when he was there. He called me the nice lady. I am so proud of him. I never heard an unkind word from him the whole time he was there,” she said.

Ryan Croyle, at 10 years old, may not be old enough to know of Pavlik’s high school days, but he is familiar with all the boxer has done in the last couple of years.

The young fan, with his parents, Dan and Tina Croyle of Warren, brought a pair of boxing gloves for the boxer to sign. The gloves had already been used when the boy dressed up like Pavlik — black eye and all — for Halloween. Ryan has plans on changing his bedroom into a boxing ring. His parents have already removed the carpeting in preparation.

Dan and Tina Croyle attended the championship fight in Atlantic City. The ticket stub to that fight now also holds Pavlik’s signature.

Bobby Rice Jr. and his son Bobby Rice III of Champion brought a more hefty souvenir for Pavlik to sign. The father and son team brought a 50-pound punching bag that has been in the family for nearly three decades. Rice III also brought a new pair of boxing gloves. The Rices hope to cover the punching bag in signatures of boxing champions starting with Pavlik.

Few were happier to see the large turnout than Paul Garchar, executive director of Potential Development. He said the donations will go toward general operations of the program. “We thank him for taking the time out of his busy schedule to assist our special group of kids,” he said.

jgoodwin@vindy.com