American middleweight champion nicknamed the 'Ghost of Youngstown' whose devastating straight right hand and relentless pressure dismantled opponents and produced one of the most dramatic title reigns of the 2000s.
Kelly Pavlik is a Youngstown, Ohio boxer who became one of the most popular champions of his era, winning the WBC and WBO middleweight titles with a stunning comeback knockout of Jermain Taylor in their 2007 rematch. Known as 'The Ghost' for his fighting style and pale appearance, Pavlik drew large crowds and was seen as boxing's next great hope at middleweight before personal battles with alcohol hampered his career.
Middleweight champion who defeated Jermain Taylor twice
How They Played
Orthodox pressure fighter with devastating left hook
Lasting Impact
One of the best American middleweights of the 2000s