Fans of all ages cheer Kelly on at prefight press conference

By Jon Moffett

YOUNGSTOWN — Not even a light snowfall and the cold from the hockey rink could keep Kelly Pavlik from getting a warm reception.

About 100 fans attended the prefight press conference between Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik and Marco Antonio Rubio at the Chevrolet Centre Thursday. Whenever Pavlik was announced, a chorus of cheers echoed throughout the arena. And whenever his opponent was mentioned, light applause was mixed with mild boos.

One family from Struthers even skipped school and work to attend the event and cheer for the champ.

“We’re here giving Kelly our support,” said Tina, 38, who wouldn’t give her last name so that her family “wouldn’t get busted.”

“It’s important to make sure that people show up to show Kelly that we do appreciate him coming here,” she said.

Tina brought her three children along: Trinity, 6; Trevor, 8; and Tyler, 11. They enjoyed their “sick day” from school to see their generation’s champion.

“I grew up with [Ray] Boom Boom [Mancini], and this is their ‘Boom Boom,’” Tina said. “He shows these kids that they can grow up and be somebody, no matter what it is. Youngstown has a bad name and it really shouldn’t because there are some good things that come out of Youngstown.”

Trevor said Pavlik is his favorite athlete and was happy for the chance to see him in person.

“I’m showing Kelly my signs,” Trevor said.

The three children held signs with for Pavlik, including one that read, “Hey Rubio, keep talking smack. You will feel the strength of Youngstown Saturday.”

Trevor predicted a victory for Pavlik by knockout, in the early stages of the fight.

“I think it’s going to be quick,” he said.

While the younger generation embraces Pavlik as a role model, some older residents see him as a continuation of the city’s pride.

“Our town needs this,” said Larry Scarazzo, 84, of Youngstown. “I think it’s great, and I think we should’ve had a bigger turnout than we had ... I think it’s a great thing; I admire Kelly.”

Scarazzo also predicted a victory for Pavlik and even went as far as to guess the round.

“Kelly in eight,” he said with a confident smile.

Ken, 45, and Nancy, 51, Kester of Boardman attended the press conference and observed the pre-fight hype.

“It’s my first experience coming down here and seeing what is happening and how everything works,” Ken said. “And we’re here to cheer on Kelly ... Let’s hope Kelly pulls it out in his hometown.”

Scott Cartwright, 25, of Struthers, said having a press conference for a title fight in Youngstown is a huge deal.

Joy Brunner, 72, of Poland, was adamant about the city showing support for one of its favorite sons.

“I came to see the action,” she said “This is an event to be had, and I just want to be part of it. I thought it was very interesting ... I really enjoyed it. It’s something great for the city and everyone should be down here.”

jmoffett@vindy.com