For Pavlik and Co. this win was more than just about securing a title shot at Taylor - who would decision Spinks later that evening - it was about changing a stereotype/skepticism that exists with white fighters from the Midwest.
This white guy showed he can fight (a lot).
"I think I had to prove it," said the 25-year old native of Youngstown. "And I think that is behind us now. I think the world knows I'm legit." Pavlik would then point out that other world champions that have his complexion, like Wladimir Klitschko, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler. But what makes Pavlik unusual is that he hails from the United States. Which in the 21st century is a rarity.
And those who have handled his career have had to fight the perception that this wasn't just another built-up 'white hope' or a boxer to be used as cannon fodder.
"Well, forget Ohio, if you say you have a white fighter, they immediately say, 'He can't fight'. Doesn't matter if he's from New York City or Philadelphia, wouldn't matter. So you're always going to live with that. But y'know what? A lot of that's true and I'm not going to sit here and argue that it's not- because it is" says Dunkin (who, by the way, is Caucasian himself), laughing at the subject.
