By Mark Vester

WBC/WBO middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik suffered an elbow injury during sparring about ten-days ago, but it won't stop him from moving forward with his October 18th bout with Bernard Hopkins, at the catch-weight of 170-pounds. The fight takes place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City with HBO pay-per-veiw carrying the show.

According to The Plain Dealer, the injury was caused when Pavlik banged elbows with sparring partner Byron Mitchel. He's been wearing a synthetic sleeve to protect his left elbow from further damage. He took several days off from sparring, but appears to look normal during recent training sessions.

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While there is said to be concern from Pavlik's camp as the Hopkins fight inches closer, trainer Jack Loew told the paper that everything is fine and the fight is not in jeopardy.

"No, not at all," Loew said. "It's a bruise and there is nothing you can do."

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