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by David P. Greisman - The formerly industrial city of Youngstown had come in support of Kelly Pavlik, from the estimated 5,000 fans who left the Rust Belt for the glow of Atlantic City to the three famed local products in attendance – Harry Arroyo, Jeff Lampkin and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, past titlists cheering for another to join their ranks.
True to his roots, Pavlik took the championship with fists full of steel.
With less than a minute remaining in the seventh round, Pavlik landed a right cross that sent Taylor staggering into the blue corner – Pavlik’s corner. It was hostile territory, and there would be no escaping. Pavlik closed in, looking to finish. A left uppercut sent Taylor’s head bobbling, his eyes rolling first toward the ceiling of Boardwalk Hall and then to the back of his head. Next came a left hook, a right hook and a right uppercut. Another pair of vicious left hooks and Taylor was limp, supported only by the ropes as referee Steve Smoger moved in to halt the pounding and hold the fallen fighter.
The Youngstown contingent had roared earlier when Pavlik began his approach to the ring. Now, they exploded as he ended Taylor’s reign.
Taylor had once been in Pavlik’s position, the motivated heir apparent seeking to bring a change to the middleweight division. But disputed wins over Bernard Hopkins, a controversial draw with Winky Wright and unimpressive victories against Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks left many questioning whether Taylor’s time at the top would soon reach its end. [details]
True to his roots, Pavlik took the championship with fists full of steel.
With less than a minute remaining in the seventh round, Pavlik landed a right cross that sent Taylor staggering into the blue corner – Pavlik’s corner. It was hostile territory, and there would be no escaping. Pavlik closed in, looking to finish. A left uppercut sent Taylor’s head bobbling, his eyes rolling first toward the ceiling of Boardwalk Hall and then to the back of his head. Next came a left hook, a right hook and a right uppercut. Another pair of vicious left hooks and Taylor was limp, supported only by the ropes as referee Steve Smoger moved in to halt the pounding and hold the fallen fighter.
The Youngstown contingent had roared earlier when Pavlik began his approach to the ring. Now, they exploded as he ended Taylor’s reign.
Taylor had once been in Pavlik’s position, the motivated heir apparent seeking to bring a change to the middleweight division. But disputed wins over Bernard Hopkins, a controversial draw with Winky Wright and unimpressive victories against Kassim Ouma and Cory Spinks left many questioning whether Taylor’s time at the top would soon reach its end. [details]