Sites to view fights abound in Valley

By Jon Moffett

YOUNGSTOWN — Tickets for Saturday’s fight might be hard to find, but viewing the bout is easy.

The Chevrolet Centre is expecting the largest crowd since it opened in October 2005 for the fight between WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and Marco Antonio Rubio. But those left without tickets to the event can still catch the fight at a local hangout.

Many area establishments will show the fight and offer specials on food and drinks in an environment suitable for cheering.

“We’ll be packed,” said Jay Hunziker, general manager of Jillian’s in Boardman. “Every Pavlik fight we fill up. ... It’s a great place to come.”

Frank DiVito, owner of Dona Vito’s Italian Grille in Struthers, said he is expecting a large crowd, which is typical for a Pavlik fight.

“I’m hoping for a couple hundred people because that’s what we’ve [seen] in the past,” he said.

Jillian’s will show the fight on its 60-plus flat-screen televisions, Hunziker said. He expects a large crowd, especially since the downtown facility will only seat about 7,000 fans.

Many businesses, such as Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in Austintown, Niles and Youngstown, will show the fight for free to those unable to get tickets. Others, like East Side Civics and Pal Joey’s, have a cover charge that includes a buffet.

Cleats Club Seat Grill in Warren will offer karaoke throughout the night, but will stop for Pavlik’s fight.

Those who plan to attend the fight live at the Chevrolet Centre also have the option of a free ride. Cassese’s MVR, 410 N. Walnut St., will provide a shuttle service from the restaurant to the arena before the fight.

Joe Cassese said the restaurant will open at noon and the shuttle service will run “as needed” throughout the night.