World middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik has revved up his training in Youngstown according to chief trainer Jack Loew.

"We are facing a real fast, quick challenger in Sergio Martinez on April 17,"  Loew said. "Our focus is on speedwork which includes footwork in the ring and running up and down the steps at the Youngstown State football stadium.

"Kelly hasn't fought someone like Martinez before. He's quick and he will move around the ring," Loew said. "It's not an easy fight and we know it. We've had great - really perfect - sparring in our gym. Kelly went 8 rounds yesterday, will go 10 today, then 12 rounds the next day.

"After training with in our gym, Kelly goes over to the Ironman Gym in Youngstown for his cardio work. He is doing all of his roadwork. Kelly feels great. He is very strong right now."

Loew added "I thought Martinez beat Paul Williams by two rounds. It's about the only thing Lou DiBella (promoter of Martinez) and I have agreed on."

There will be an army of buses with fight fans coming from Youngstown to Atlantic City. N.J. for the world title fight, Loew said.

Pavlik will defend his world titles against Martinez at the famous Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday, April 17.  Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and Caesars Atlantic City, is promoting.

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YURI FOREMAN WILL LEAD THE ISRAELI DAY PARADE

World champion Yuri Foreman will be the Grand Marshall in the Israeli Day Parade in New York City on May 23.

"Yuri is very honored, really thrilled to be asked," said co-manager Murray Wilson. "He will lead the parade with Mayor Michael Bloomberg."

Foreman will take on Miguel Cotto in a world title fight June 5 at Yankee Stadium.

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DIEGO MAGDALENO WILL TRAIN IN RENO

Unbeaten featherweight Diego Magdaleno of Las Vegas will be off to Reno, Nevada next week for some high-altitude training to prepare for his upcoming fight against Manny Perez of Denver on a Top Rank Live! fight card on April 10.

Pat Barry, co-manager, said Magdaleno will be with him at the Team USA vs. Team Italy amateur championships in Reno next week.

"Diego usually runs up and down Mt. Charleston in Las Vegas," Barry said. "Running in the mountains in Reno is even better. Diego is in a tough fight and he's going to be prepared."

Barry said he studied two videos of Perez in his two bouts against Brandon Rios.

"Perez is rugged, tough and comes straight at you," Barry said. "Diego is going to have to use some angles to get at him."

Magdaleno vs. Perez will be the opening televised bout at the Hard Rock Hotel-Casino, Paradise Ave., Las Vegas on Saturday, April 10.

"This is the biggest fight for Diego," said Barry. "He's 14-0, but this is an important fight."

"This will be Diego's toughest fight," said Brad Goodman, Top Rank matchmaker. "We're going to find out where Diego is, how much he is progressing."

Magdaleno will be at a Top Rank press conference on Thursday, April 8 at the Hard Rock.

Tickets are $50, $30, $20 and are available at the Hard Rock Box Office.