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Party while you watch the title fight tonight
- In more Pavlik coverage ...
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- STORY: Behind the scenes, arena crews report few snafus
- EDITORIAL: Pavlik fight delivers a punch that’s good for the area
- VIDEO: Pavlik Talks about Rubio
- STORY: Youngstown venue impresses out-of-town media
- VIDEO: Kelly Pavlik wins!
- STORY: Fans of Kelly Pavlik arrived early and were ready to celebrate a win
- STORY: John D'Altorio: With these next words, one person is already upset with this story.
- STORY: Kelly beats Rubio into submission
- PHOTOGALLERY: Kelly Pavlik Fight Night
- PHOTOGALLERY: Fight night at local bars
- VIDEO: Pavlik motorcade pre-fight
- STORY: Downtown swells with Pavlik fans
- STORY: Boom Boom is in the house!
- STORY: Experts’ opinions: Kelly Pavlik flawed, but has bright future
- STORY: Pavlik wants to silence critics with dominant performance tonight
- VIDEO: Pavlik and Rubio weigh in
- VIDEO: Pavlik Fans Predict
- STORY: Fans weigh in at weigh-in
- STORY: Pavlik, Rubio make weight
- STORY: Pavlik vs. Cox?
- PHOTOGALLERY: Pavlik Rubio weigh in
- STORY: Pavlik battled his way to top
- STORY: “Kelly Pavlik — this is your life.”
- PHOTOGALLERY: Kelly Pavlik Press Conference
- VIDEO: Team Pavlik talks
- VIDEO: Kelly Pavlik works out
- STORY: International fight audience will hear 3 Valley singers
- STORY: Team Pavlik keeps eyes on the prize
- VIDEO: National anthem contest
- STORY: Pavlik inspires next generation
- PHOTOGALLERY: Kelly Pavlik training
STAFF REPORT
YOUNGSTOWN — Thousands of people are expected downtown today, and area businesses are making sure there is space for all of them.
The Chevrolet Centre is expecting the largest crowd for the fight between current WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik and Marco Antonio Rubio since it opened in October 2005. 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.” Jillian’s will show the fight on 60-plus flat-screen televisions.
Frank DiVito, owner of Dona Vito’s Italian Grille in Struthers, is “hoping for a couple hundred people,” similar to what his restaurant has seen for past fights.
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.
Buffalo Wild Wings on Central Square is hosting a party under a 30-by-40-foot heated tent starting at 5 p.m. Music will be provided by classic rock station Y103 and by The Rage, a local band.
In Boardman, the Youngstown Sports Grille will also have an outdoor party. Sean Pregibon, restaurant owner, said he will have a heated tent for fans before the fight. A $5 cover charge is required, he said.
“There are only 7,000 seats at the Chevy Centre, but there’s 200,000 people in the Youngstown/Warren area who want to watch the fight.”
At McMenamy’s, Youngstown Warren Road, Niles, festivities start at 4 p.m. today, and there is a $3 cover charge. A ticket giveaway around 8 p.m. is the big draw for the party. Two people will have the opportunity to go to the fight. Everyone who walks through the doors is eligible for the drawing.