BOXING INSIDER: Youngstown fighter slugging way to top
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Joe Maxse
Plain Dealer Reporter
Kelly Pavlik is getting closer.
Las Vegas-based promoter Top Rank Inc. held a press conference last week at Anthony's on the River in Youngstown to promote its middleweight contender and his Nov. 2 nationally televised hometown bout.
Pavlik (28-0, 25 KOs) will meet
Haiti's Lenord Pierre (18-2-1, 13 KOs) at the Chevrolet Centre in what he hopes will be a final tuneup before a shot at champion Jermain Taylor.
"It is frustrating," said Pavlik, who stopped Bronco McKart in July to solidify his contender status. "But it's like any other sport. You have to fight through your schedule before the championship game."
Pavlik, 24, has made all the right moves since turning pro in June 2000. Trained since the amateur ranks by Jack Loew, he is right where he is supposed to be as a monster payday looms.
"He's handled all the pressure well, and I think he'll continue to handle it," said Loew.
The 12-round bout at the catch-weight of 163 pounds will headline the telecast on the Versus Network (formerly OLN). Cleveland junior middleweight Juan McPherson is expected to be on the undercard.
Ringside ($75) tickets are on sale, with reserved ($25) and general admission ($20) going on sale Oct. 21. Call 330-501-5713 or 330-788-7592.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168
New version is up 
Haiti's Lenord Pierre (18-2-1, 13 KOs) on November 2 
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