Kelly Pavlik threw a knockout punch few saw coming.
Those hoping to see Kelly Pavlik fight again here in Youngstown saw that opportunity vanish Tuesday. Pavlik pulled the plug on this weekend's bout and a possible title shot a few months down the road. The move leaves many wondering what future the former middleweight champ has in the ring.
"I think it was a very risky move," said Pavlik's trainer Jack Loew.
Risky because Pavlik is still considered a fighter making a comeback. He's been in the ring just four times in the last three years. According to Loew, Pavlik would have earned $1.35 million for a title fight in November. A former middleweight champ, Pavlik thought that number was too low.
"To the average man, $1.3 million is a lot of money," said Loew. "To the average fighter, $1.3 million is a lot of money. Kelly's made a lot more of that in even lesser fights."
Which is why some are scratching their heads, and make no mistake, there is no health issue here. Loew was quick to dispel rumors of an injury Pavlik suffered in an altercation with his brother a few weeks ago. Loew says the cancellation was strictly a business decision.
"There's nothing wrong with his hands," stated Loew. "He had no cuts on his face. He was good to go."
But unwilling to go, and Pavlik's promoter, Top Rank Boxing, isn't happy. In a statement released Tuesday, Top Rank says it had worked with Pavlik to create a plan for his comeback, but with this decision, Pavlik derailed that plan.
"Where they'll go or where he'll go with Top Rank, that's between them two," Loew said. "Maybe myself, maybe his managers would have made a different decision. Maybe we would have done things a little differently but he did what he wanted to do. It's Kelly's decision."
As for what The Ghost's followers think, some say the former middleweight champ's time has passed and the announcement is not a big surprise; however, plenty of Kelly's supporters are still rooting for him.
"This is his home," said supporter Wendell Furman from Liberty. "I think it's always disappointing when he doesn't fight here. I'm just worried about the title shot. I don't know where this throws him. It may throw it right back into the mix for a title shot."
If you have a ticket to Saturday's fight, Top Rank, the promoter of the fight, says to get a refund from the place of purchase.
