Boxing: The Smell of Sweet Victory for Kelly Pavlik

Born and raised in Youngstown,Ohio, Kelly Pavlik is the youngest of 3 boys.Having sparred several times in the ring with his older brothers as a child Kelly learned to love the sport of boxing.Before the very young age of 17 Kelly was becoming more defined in his capabilities and getting looks of approval and recognition. In the 1990's boxer "Boom Boom" Mancini put western Ohio on the map in the boxing world and several years later the sizzle has went out but Pavlik wants to return Ohio back into the spotlight and re-energize the excitement of a all American sport.

In 2005 Kelly won a vacant NABF Title against Zuniga resulting in a TKO in the 9th round in Pavliks favor.Then on July 27,2006 Pavlik defended his NABF title against McKart scoring TKO again from a series of powerful punches in the 6th round keeping his title intact.

Heading back to his hometown November 2,2006 Pavlik drew in a crowd of over 4,000 to the Chevrolet Center as he took on Pierre proving his unstoppable left hook in the 4th round would grasp him another TKO. In January 2007 Pavlik went up against challenger Zertuche defending his NABF title,the match was fast paced and action packed but would once again see Pavlik as a TKO victor.

On September 29,2007 the young transpiring 25 year old boxer entered the ring with Jermaine Taylor as the number 1 contender for the title belt of WBC/WBO Middleweight Championship.Although Pavlik had been placed as the underdog in this fight both boxers were on their game and determination rested in their eyes as they entered the ring Saturday night.HBO commentator Jim Lampley was dead on in saying " someone will be losing their O tonight" referring to how neither one of them have ever lost a fight.

The "FOP" (full of Pavlik) filled a huge portion of the arena which was a nice change to the usual "geriatric" crowd of retirees.Pavlik's family,friends and fans all donned either Pavlik attire or Ohio State to show their support.The bad blood rang through the arena as Taylor entered the "booing" was clearly evident as well as where is was coming from.

Standing toe to toe Pavlik and Taylor had to be told twice to shake hands before the fight began.The fight started off with intensity and didn't let up up,by the end of the 5th round Pavlik had already almost been knocked out,was wobbly in the legs and was bleeding from his nose and mouth as long as Taylor could keep Pavlik in the corners the fight seemed to be going his way.

By the 7th round Taylor was beginning to realize that his tactic may not be what was needed to defeat Pavlik and of course by then it was to late.Pavlik regained his full momentum and took charge landing a right and left uppercut finishing the job as Taylor slid down the ropes onto the canvas.All three judges had Taylor winning the fight but actions spoke louder than words.

Thrilled by Pavlik's victory the "FOP" was loud and noticeable.Taylor left the ring showing his unsportsmanlike attitude without a post interview which is customary but, HBO's Larry Merchant caught up with him in the locker room to discuss a rematch and just how soon Taylor was wanting this to happen.Taylors response was dully noted as he said " my next fight".

Pavlik proved that he can indeed box with the best of best and has thrillingly eased into his boxing prime making this a sweet victory for him and his fans.Pavlik has stated that he respects all of his contenders and that he adapts to each fighter making him a better fighter.This young determined boxer has definitely made his mark on the boxing world and with his skilled determination he's here to stay.