American · Youngstown, USA · Born 5 April 1982Kelly Pavlik is an American former professional boxer who won the WBC, WBO, Ring magazine, and lineal middleweight titles by knocking out Jermain Taylor in 2007.
Kelly Robert Pavlik was born on 5 April 1982 in Youngstown, Ohio, and grew up in the city's traditionally Slovak Lansingville neighbourhood on the south side, training his entire career under coach Jack Loew at Youngstown's South Side Boxing Gym. He compiled an outstanding amateur record, winning national Junior Golden Gloves and PAL titles before turning professional in 2000. Pavlik, nicknamed "The Ghost" and "The Express," developed into one of the most feared punchers in the middleweight division, and delivered the signature victory of his career in September 2007, coming off the canvas to knock out previously undefeated Jermain Taylor and claim the unified WBC, WBO, Ring magazine, and lineal middleweight titles. Pavlik made three successful defences of his title, becoming a beloved champion in his economically struggling hometown of Youngstown, before losing his belts to Argentina's Sergio Martínez in 2010. Injuries and personal struggles significantly disrupted the remainder of his career. Pavlik retired in 2012 with a professional record of 40 wins and two losses, 34 of his victories coming by knockout, and remains a beloved figure in Youngstown, where his rise from a working-class steel town to world champion made him a genuine source of civic pride during a difficult economic period for the region.
Undisputed-recognition Middleweight Champion 2007-2010
How They Played
Orthodox pressure fighter with devastating left hook
Lasting Impact
One of the best American middleweights of the 2000s
Career Honours
- BWAA Fight of the Year 2007
American Athletes