Kelly Pavlik
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whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
Damn!! I was looking forward to this fight.
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
Kelly Pavlik will recover and continue his stellar career for many years to come, giving us all someone to be proud of.
The Hock
Master
I don't know. Hard to judge from here. I know staph has been in the news. Anti-biotic resistent strains have developed that are very hard to shake.
Blue Devils
Mentor
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Pavlik says he nearly died from allergic reaction
NEW YORK â€" Kelly Pavlik's life was in peril.
An allergic reaction to medication had caused the middleweight champion's temperature to soar past 104 degrees, and his heart rate to 150 beats a minute. When he was finally admitted to the hospital, the sweat was pouring off his body, which had turned shades of red and purple.
An infectious diseases specialist at the Cleveland Clinic told his father, Mike Pavlik, that the 27-year-old fighter had better keep fighting. The outlook was grim.
"I'm not a medical man," Mike Pavlik said, "but he was really close to the edge that day."
What began as a small staph infection on the knuckle of his left hand, where Pavlik had received a cortisone injection, had somehow spiraled to this: A strapping young man who makes his living relentlessly pushing his body to the extreme was bedridden, his wife Samantha keeping vigil over him while doctors figured out what went wrong.
Pavlik says he doesn't remember everything that happened last month, only bits and pieces.
He recalls a doctor telling him that he wasn't going home right away, and that every step he took toward the emergency ward was more difficult than the last. He remembers his skin crawling, his heart feeling like it would jump right out of his chest.
He doesn't remember the steroids doctors gave him to make the reaction subside.
"I don't remember that day, that's how bad it was," Pavlik told The Associated Press. "They told me it was pretty serious. It was the worst form of reaction you could have."
It was also the lowest point in a summer of misfortune.
The staph infection appeared after Pavlik defeated Marco Antonio Rubio, a tough but woefully overmatched opponent, before an admiring crowd in Pavlik's hometown of Youngstown, Ohio.
He was playing basketball on a warm March day when the knuckle split open. After a few minutes, Pavlik looked down to see a colorless ooze where there should have been blood, and a trip to the doctor confirmed the bacteria.
A month went by and antibiotics weren't doing their job, so Pavlik had surgery in Youngstown to clean out the infection. When the stitches were removed, the hole was still there. Further tests revealed MRSA, a sometimes fatal strain of staph that resists broad-spectrum antibiotics.
"I was ready to say right there, chop the hand off," Pavlik said.
In the meantime, months of tough negotiations had resulted in an agreement between Pavlik and feared puncher Paul Williams. They would meet in early October in Atlantic City, with Pavlik guaranteed millions and both getting the HBO exposure every fighter covets.
The staph infection still wasn't getting better, though, and the fight was pushed back to Dec. 5. Williams and his promoter, Dan Goossen, were willing to work with Pavlik after seeing optimistic test results from the clinic. Doctors believed the infection would clear up and Pavlik could begin punching in mid-October, giving him time to prepare for the fight.
Then came the allergic reaction and trip to the hospital, just before Pavlik was supposed to leave for New Jersey and a news conference to officially announce the fight.
"We learned our lesson once already when he went into a fight not feeling well," Mike Pavlik said, referring to his son's loss to Bernard Hopkins, when he became ill a couple days before the bout. "And we vowed we wouldn't do it again."
Still, Pavlik said he felt obligated to go through with the Williams fight. People were counting on him, and he was told by doctors that he'd be fine, even if he wasn't so sure.
"Since I started training, it was in my mind the whole time," Pavlik said. "It feels stiff, I ain't able to hit anything. I think my trainer was waiting for the moment when it just closes, but there was just no way to do it."
The infection had cleared up, but the surgeries were keeping Pavlik from closing his left hand. On Wednesday, trainer Jack Loew finally called off the fight.
Losing out on a big payday, the hospital trips, the allergic reaction â€" all of it was frustrating. What bothers Pavlik the most, though, is that some fans don't believe any of it.
There are rumors he doesn't want to fight Williams, or fight at all. That he's holding out for more money, or to take Jermain Taylor's place in the Super Six tournament. Those who once called him a working-class hope have turned their backs, which happens quickly and easily when you carry a small town on your broad shoulders.
"There's nothing you can do about it," Pavlik said. "I'll sleep, eat well at night. I know the truth. But my dad, the guys in camp who now what's going on, it's hard on them."
Williams will face another opponent on Dec. 5, and Pavlik hopes he'll be able to fight him early next year â€" "I'll be nervous on the fifth," he said.
Until then, the middleweight champion is left to ponder his summer of misfortune.
"I want to fight, and people question because I've been inactive, but there's goals I want to accomplish," he said. "It does feel like wasted time, where I could be out accomplishing a lot. And one big fight could sum up that big accomplishment."
NEW YORK â€" Kelly Pavlik's life was in peril.
An allergic reaction to medication had caused the middleweight champion's temperature to soar past 104 degrees, and his heart rate to 150 beats a minute. When he was finally admitted to the hospital, the sweat was pouring off his body, which had turned shades of red and purple.
An infectious diseases specialist at the Cleveland Clinic told his father, Mike Pavlik, that the 27-year-old fighter had better keep fighting. The outlook was grim.
"I'm not a medical man," Mike Pavlik said, "but he was really close to the edge that day."
What began as a small staph infection on the knuckle of his left hand, where Pavlik had received a cortisone injection, had somehow spiraled to this: A strapping young man who makes his living relentlessly pushing his body to the extreme was bedridden, his wife Samantha keeping vigil over him while doctors figured out what went wrong.
Pavlik says he doesn't remember everything that happened last month, only bits and pieces.
He recalls a doctor telling him that he wasn't going home right away, and that every step he took toward the emergency ward was more difficult than the last. He remembers his skin crawling, his heart feeling like it would jump right out of his chest.
He doesn't remember the steroids doctors gave him to make the reaction subside.
"I don't remember that day, that's how bad it was," Pavlik told The Associated Press. "They told me it was pretty serious. It was the worst form of reaction you could have."
It was also the lowest point in a summer of misfortune.
The staph infection appeared after Pavlik defeated Marco Antonio Rubio, a tough but woefully overmatched opponent, before an admiring crowd in Pavlik's hometown of Youngstown, Ohio.
He was playing basketball on a warm March day when the knuckle split open. After a few minutes, Pavlik looked down to see a colorless ooze where there should have been blood, and a trip to the doctor confirmed the bacteria.
A month went by and antibiotics weren't doing their job, so Pavlik had surgery in Youngstown to clean out the infection. When the stitches were removed, the hole was still there. Further tests revealed MRSA, a sometimes fatal strain of staph that resists broad-spectrum antibiotics.
"I was ready to say right there, chop the hand off," Pavlik said.
In the meantime, months of tough negotiations had resulted in an agreement between Pavlik and feared puncher Paul Williams. They would meet in early October in Atlantic City, with Pavlik guaranteed millions and both getting the HBO exposure every fighter covets.
The staph infection still wasn't getting better, though, and the fight was pushed back to Dec. 5. Williams and his promoter, Dan Goossen, were willing to work with Pavlik after seeing optimistic test results from the clinic. Doctors believed the infection would clear up and Pavlik could begin punching in mid-October, giving him time to prepare for the fight.
Then came the allergic reaction and trip to the hospital, just before Pavlik was supposed to leave for New Jersey and a news conference to officially announce the fight.
"We learned our lesson once already when he went into a fight not feeling well," Mike Pavlik said, referring to his son's loss to Bernard Hopkins, when he became ill a couple days before the bout. "And we vowed we wouldn't do it again."
Still, Pavlik said he felt obligated to go through with the Williams fight. People were counting on him, and he was told by doctors that he'd be fine, even if he wasn't so sure.
"Since I started training, it was in my mind the whole time," Pavlik said. "It feels stiff, I ain't able to hit anything. I think my trainer was waiting for the moment when it just closes, but there was just no way to do it."
The infection had cleared up, but the surgeries were keeping Pavlik from closing his left hand. On Wednesday, trainer Jack Loew finally called off the fight.
Losing out on a big payday, the hospital trips, the allergic reaction â€" all of it was frustrating. What bothers Pavlik the most, though, is that some fans don't believe any of it.
There are rumors he doesn't want to fight Williams, or fight at all. That he's holding out for more money, or to take Jermain Taylor's place in the Super Six tournament. Those who once called him a working-class hope have turned their backs, which happens quickly and easily when you carry a small town on your broad shoulders.
"There's nothing you can do about it," Pavlik said. "I'll sleep, eat well at night. I know the truth. But my dad, the guys in camp who now what's going on, it's hard on them."
Williams will face another opponent on Dec. 5, and Pavlik hopes he'll be able to fight him early next year â€" "I'll be nervous on the fifth," he said.
Until then, the middleweight champion is left to ponder his summer of misfortune.
"I want to fight, and people question because I've been inactive, but there's goals I want to accomplish," he said. "It does feel like wasted time, where I could be out accomplishing a lot. And one big fight could sum up that big accomplishment."
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
Bad new for Kelly.  I hope he is ok and can continue his great career.
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
At this points in time I am worried about Kelly.  He was impressive in his last fight but maybe the rumors about his drinking problem are true.  I read an article that stated he is trying to take Jermain Taylor's place in the Super Six.  We just have to wait and see.
If the rumors are true. How tragic. But I refuse to believe them. I think its that subborn staph infection. He needs to have it removed and fight Williams. That was a huge and very winnable fight for Kelly.
Now, Sergio Martinez will get a chance to deflate the fans hope of the next great black thing. Oh well.
Now, Sergio Martinez will get a chance to deflate the fans hope of the next great black thing. Oh well.
DixieDestroyer
Hall of Famer
In the ring, Kelly kind of resembles UFC/MMA fighter Mike "Quick" Swick...who has super-fast & heavy hands (as well).
Edited by: DixieDestroyer
Edited by: DixieDestroyer
However this pans out, Kelly Pavlik will always hold a very spacial place with proud, white boxing fans. I feel fortunate to have watched him destroy Miranda and Sad Intentions Talyor while providing his fans around the world with golden memories. Here's to fighting on Kelly and to many more signature wins in your future.
Edited by: Pollyanna
Edited by: Pollyanna
Charles Martel
Hall of Famer
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- Mar 14, 2007
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Pollyanna said:
I'll never forget his fight with Edison Miranda, I've watched it at least a dozen times.
At the time, Miranda was considered, in Larry Merchant's words, "the next big thing" and was being ducked by Jermain Taylor.
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
Jermain Taylor has to be the most overrated boxer in history.  He was considered unbeatable until Kelly Pavlik knocked him out and beat him in the rematch.  After that he got knocked out again by Froch and Abraham.  The guy likes to walk into big punches.  If he continues in the Super Six expect him to have some serious brain damage.
Jermain Taylor has never displayed good boxing mechanics, basic defense, stance or footwork. He has always swing/dropped his left, stood too far over his feet (terrible balance) and dare I say, lumbers about the ring . Yes, he is probably one of the biggest over-hyped fighters in the recent decade or so.
Bear Backer
Mentor
Blue Devils said:
Pavlik looks horrible in those photos. How can anyone accuse him of faking after seeing those pictures. He looks like a very sick man. You can see it in his eyes. No spark whatsoever behind them.Edited by: Bear Backer
Blue Devils
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Charles Martel
Hall of Famer
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Good to read that Pavlik has recovered from his infection.
There was some concern that his career might be over. People have lost arms because of that type of bacterial infection.
There was some concern that his career might be over. People have lost arms because of that type of bacterial infection.
Blue Devils
Mentor
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Pavlik Fights at YSU Dec 19
By Joe Scalzo
Pavlik didn't agree to the fight until Sunday night.
YOUNGSTOWN â€" Kelly Pavlik is hoping to end a year of frustration on a good note.
The WBC and WBO middleweight champion will make his first title defense since February when he meets Miguel Espino on Dec. 19 at Youngstown State University's Beeghly Center.
The fight was arranged quickly â€" Pavlik's camp didn't hear about the fight until a few days ago â€" and Pavlik didn't agree to the fight until Sunday night. He announced the bout Monday at the Curbstone Coaches weekly noon luncheon and signed the contract soon afterward.
"Espino is a good fighter; someone who presents a real challenge,"Â Pavlik said at the luncheon. "I'm just ready to get back into the swing of things."Â
A lingering staph infection in Pavlik's left hand forced him to cancel two previous title fights â€" the first against Sergio Mora in the summer, then a Dec. 5 bout against Paul Williams.
Pavlik had planned to wait until January or February to get back in the ring.
But the two sanctioning bodies wanted to see their titles defended and threatened to strip Pavlik of the belts if he didn't get back in the ring.
The Williams bout originally had been planned for October, then postponed to Dec. 5, then canceled altogether.
The Williams camp wasn't willing to wait any longer to fight Pavlik, so Espino (20-2-1, 9 KOs) was picked as a replacement. Espino is the WBC's No. 3 ranked contender.
"I talked with my dad, Jack [Loew, his trainer] and my manager [Cameron Dunkin] and we decided it's not worth losing the title,"Â said Pavlik in a phone interview on Monday evening. "If I lose, I want to lose fighting.
"So, [Sunday], I told Cameron I want the fight."Â
Although Espino, who starred on the first season of "The Contender," isn't as dangerous an opponent as Williams, the fight is still a risk. Pavlik's hand is still not fully healed from two earlier surgeries â€" he still can't make a fist â€" and his conditioning took a major hit with the long layoff.
Pavlik was unable to work out for two months while recovering, and a recent visit to the Ironman Warehouse only confirmed his fears.
"At the Ironman, I could see how much I lost,"Â said Pavlik, who is hoping to resume punching by the end of next week. "When you can't pick up anything heavier than a gallon of milk for two months, it's going to take a while to get back into it. But we'll get there."Â
According to ESPN.com, Pavlik will make just $500,000 for the Espino bout, which will be televised on Top Rank pay-per-view. That's a far cry from the multimillion-dollar payday he would have earned for a Williams bout, but the Pavlik camp is hoping to use the December bout to prepare for a spring bout against Williams.
Beeghly Center, which seats at least 6,500 people, was chosen because the 7,500-seat Covelli Centre is booked for Disney On Ice from Dec. 17-20.
"This is an awesome feeling as I am ready to get back into the ring,"Â Pavlik said at the luncheon. "I really appreciate the many local fans that have traveled to my fights, so to be able to stay at home to defend my title is absolutely special.
"A jam-packed, smaller arena gets your adrenaline going. The fans are there to have fun but also root you on so this is going to be a special night for everyone."Â
Loew made the call to postpone the Williams bout and has said he won't let Pavlik fight unless he's 100 percent. At Monday's luncheon, he said he was happy with the bout.
"This is absolutely great news,"Â he said. "It's always great to fight at home and after being off so long and suffering through a frustrating 2009, it will be great for Kelly to get back on his feet and into the ring.
"On top of that, it will be at home."Â
Loew felt Pavlik needed a couple of more weeks in order for his hand, which had been diagnosed with MRSA staph, to properly heal and for him to be in top physical shape.
The Williams camp gave thumbs down to that request, and he will now fight Sergio Martinez on that date in Atlantic City.
"Everything works out for as reason,"Â Loew said. "We felt we needed the extra time so Kelly could bend his hand.
"Now, [Williams] will be fighting Sergio Martinez in a 3,500-seat ballroom and we'll be fighting at home. That tells you who the draw is."Â
By Joe Scalzo
Pavlik didn't agree to the fight until Sunday night.
YOUNGSTOWN â€" Kelly Pavlik is hoping to end a year of frustration on a good note.
The WBC and WBO middleweight champion will make his first title defense since February when he meets Miguel Espino on Dec. 19 at Youngstown State University's Beeghly Center.
The fight was arranged quickly â€" Pavlik's camp didn't hear about the fight until a few days ago â€" and Pavlik didn't agree to the fight until Sunday night. He announced the bout Monday at the Curbstone Coaches weekly noon luncheon and signed the contract soon afterward.
"Espino is a good fighter; someone who presents a real challenge,"Â Pavlik said at the luncheon. "I'm just ready to get back into the swing of things."Â
A lingering staph infection in Pavlik's left hand forced him to cancel two previous title fights â€" the first against Sergio Mora in the summer, then a Dec. 5 bout against Paul Williams.
Pavlik had planned to wait until January or February to get back in the ring.
But the two sanctioning bodies wanted to see their titles defended and threatened to strip Pavlik of the belts if he didn't get back in the ring.
The Williams bout originally had been planned for October, then postponed to Dec. 5, then canceled altogether.
The Williams camp wasn't willing to wait any longer to fight Pavlik, so Espino (20-2-1, 9 KOs) was picked as a replacement. Espino is the WBC's No. 3 ranked contender.
"I talked with my dad, Jack [Loew, his trainer] and my manager [Cameron Dunkin] and we decided it's not worth losing the title,"Â said Pavlik in a phone interview on Monday evening. "If I lose, I want to lose fighting.
"So, [Sunday], I told Cameron I want the fight."Â
Although Espino, who starred on the first season of "The Contender," isn't as dangerous an opponent as Williams, the fight is still a risk. Pavlik's hand is still not fully healed from two earlier surgeries â€" he still can't make a fist â€" and his conditioning took a major hit with the long layoff.
Pavlik was unable to work out for two months while recovering, and a recent visit to the Ironman Warehouse only confirmed his fears.
"At the Ironman, I could see how much I lost,"Â said Pavlik, who is hoping to resume punching by the end of next week. "When you can't pick up anything heavier than a gallon of milk for two months, it's going to take a while to get back into it. But we'll get there."Â
According to ESPN.com, Pavlik will make just $500,000 for the Espino bout, which will be televised on Top Rank pay-per-view. That's a far cry from the multimillion-dollar payday he would have earned for a Williams bout, but the Pavlik camp is hoping to use the December bout to prepare for a spring bout against Williams.
Beeghly Center, which seats at least 6,500 people, was chosen because the 7,500-seat Covelli Centre is booked for Disney On Ice from Dec. 17-20.
"This is an awesome feeling as I am ready to get back into the ring,"Â Pavlik said at the luncheon. "I really appreciate the many local fans that have traveled to my fights, so to be able to stay at home to defend my title is absolutely special.
"A jam-packed, smaller arena gets your adrenaline going. The fans are there to have fun but also root you on so this is going to be a special night for everyone."Â
Loew made the call to postpone the Williams bout and has said he won't let Pavlik fight unless he's 100 percent. At Monday's luncheon, he said he was happy with the bout.
"This is absolutely great news,"Â he said. "It's always great to fight at home and after being off so long and suffering through a frustrating 2009, it will be great for Kelly to get back on his feet and into the ring.
"On top of that, it will be at home."Â
Loew felt Pavlik needed a couple of more weeks in order for his hand, which had been diagnosed with MRSA staph, to properly heal and for him to be in top physical shape.
The Williams camp gave thumbs down to that request, and he will now fight Sergio Martinez on that date in Atlantic City.
"Everything works out for as reason,"Â Loew said. "We felt we needed the extra time so Kelly could bend his hand.
"Now, [Williams] will be fighting Sergio Martinez in a 3,500-seat ballroom and we'll be fighting at home. That tells you who the draw is."Â