The Ghost arrives!

Pavlik motorcade pre-fight

Video

Team Pavlik is escorted by emergency vehicles from the Holiday Inn in Boardman to Youngstown's Chevrolet Centre.

YOUNGSTOWN — The freezing rain kept the crowd small — but nevertheless very enthusiastic — to greet Kelly Pavlik as he arrived at the Chevrolet Centre to defend his middleweight boxing crown.

Eight Youngstown police cars, with their sirens going, led the motorcade over the Market Street bridge. Pavlik was next in a large, white stretch limousine — referred to on police scanners as “Kelly 1” — and was followed by a Youngstown fire truck.

The vehicles crossed under the buckets of two fire trucks parked in front of the center shortly before 9 tonight. The buckets created an arch under which the vehicles passed to get into the center parking lot.

Fire Capt. Dan Poklemba, who went to high school with Pavlik’s father, said he was thrilled to be a part of the welcoming ceremony for Pavlik.

“I’d rather not be working tonight, but it’s still good to come out and welcome him here,” he said. “I’d rather be inside, but I’m glad I’m a part of this.”

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com