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By Jake Donovan - Kelly Pavlik knew how much to apply in the ring for each of his two comeback fights this year.
His two round blitzing of Aaron Jaco this past March – his first fight in nearly 11 months – was all about letting the world know that he was back and taking the game seriously. Last month’s showing against Scott Sigmon was all about getting in some rounds and having fun, something that has been a new experience for the former middleweight champ.
The past several years have been rough on Pavlik (39-2, 34KO). A 2 ½ year stay as lineal middleweight king – met with criticism throughout – came to an end in April ’10, followed by a pair of stints in rehab for alcohol abuse. Intertwined with the series of downfalls was a false sense of entitlement, evidence that Pavlik was a long way from his happy place.
It’s a much different tale these days. Gone is the bitter, angry ex-champion stuck in a time warp. Today’s version is happier, enjoying life and the sport that made him rich and famous. This weekend is the biggest step back in his comeback tour, returning to HBO airwaves for the first time since his title loss to Sergio Martinez in April ’10. [Click Here To Read More]
His two round blitzing of Aaron Jaco this past March – his first fight in nearly 11 months – was all about letting the world know that he was back and taking the game seriously. Last month’s showing against Scott Sigmon was all about getting in some rounds and having fun, something that has been a new experience for the former middleweight champ.
The past several years have been rough on Pavlik (39-2, 34KO). A 2 ½ year stay as lineal middleweight king – met with criticism throughout – came to an end in April ’10, followed by a pair of stints in rehab for alcohol abuse. Intertwined with the series of downfalls was a false sense of entitlement, evidence that Pavlik was a long way from his happy place.
It’s a much different tale these days. Gone is the bitter, angry ex-champion stuck in a time warp. Today’s version is happier, enjoying life and the sport that made him rich and famous. This weekend is the biggest step back in his comeback tour, returning to HBO airwaves for the first time since his title loss to Sergio Martinez in April ’10. [Click Here To Read More]
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