Pavlik focuses on fight as career blossoms

As much as Kelly Pavlik’s life has changed since winning the middleweight title in September, his approach to boxing — and life — hasn’t changed. Training comes first and his focus is on the next fight, not the previous fight, not the attention and not his public profile.

“I know Taylor wants redemption,” said Pavlik, 25, who will fight Jermain Taylor in a rematch on Feb. 16 in Las Vegas. “This fight is my focus.”

That’s not just a good fight strategy; it’s a good business strategy. Pavlik will earn between $2.5 million and $3 million for February’s fight, and that number could rise if the Pay-Per-View numbers are good. If he beats Taylor, his next bout would likely bring him at least $4 million. By comparison, he made just over $1 million for September’s bout — which was double his previous-best purse.

“He’s the first middleweight champion for Top Rank since [Marvin] Hagler,” said Top Rank Boxing spokesman Lee Samuels. “His is the most important title we have in the company.”

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or visit Vindy.com.