Kelly Pavlik -Youngstown Night of Champions

A friend and I drove to Youngstown this past Monday for an awards banquet honoring Kelly Pavlik and some of the past Youngstown boxing greats. Had a chance to meet Kelly, shake his hand and get an autograph. I came away really impressed with him as a person. Class guy all around. Down to earth, humble. Mingled with fans prior to the event starting, signed autographs for hours, took pictures, and generally did whatever necessary to make everyone in attendance happy. Bob Arum and Boom Boom Mancini also spoke at the event. Well worth the drive and the $100 donation. How often do you get to shake the hand of the middleweight champion of the world. I've been a Kelly fan since the Zuniga fight, am even more of a fan now, and wish him nothing but the best. Just thought you guys might like some feedback from the event since I know it was discussed here last week.

 

I've come across what I would consider a whigger or two in my life. And I always kind of had that feeling about Kelly too, until I met him. I really don't think that's the case. Seemed like a normal guy. Hard nosed. A little gritty maybe, but nothing like Litzau or some of the other pretenders out there.

 

Litzau's fighting some mall security guard that's lost three of his last four fights. Of course, he's always one flush right hand away from lights out. I don't think he'll ever step up in class after the Hernandez fight. He controlled the fight too. Damn shame. At one point in time, he had potential. He just gets hit by way too many flush shots.

 

Pavlik spoke twice and took a ton of pictures. Despite reports to the contrary on this board, I think it is important to note, the event was a fund raiser for a local high school football player who is suffering from cancer. All funds were donated to help his family pay his medical bills. Mancini and Arum both spoke too, and both did a great job. Honestly, I was so fired up after Mancini spoke, I almost took a swing at the guy next to me.