Philippines, 04 Nov 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


ARUM SAYS PAVLIK IS LOOKING GREAT


PhilBoxing.com




Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says WBC middleweight champion Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik (35-1, 31 KOs), of Youngstown, Ohio, who defends his title against the WBC’s No. 3-rated contender Miguel Espino (20-2-1, 9 KOs), of North Hollywood, Calif., at Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center is “looking great” judging by the reports he’s been getting.

Arum spoke to us after arriving in Pavlik’s hometown of Youngstown and said the fight was “going very well” and although he did see Pavlik work out he was told that “he was really smashing the mitts and everything looked great.”

In an innovative move the Pavlik-Espino world title fight will headline a two-country world championship doubleheader that will be telecast in the Philippines by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN “Live” over Studio 23.

After a media workout at Jack Loew’s South Side Boxing Club in Youngstown, Pavlik bragged that Espino “is in for a butt whipping. I’m back and I’m 100%. My sparring partners have told me I’m hitting as hard as I ever have. My hand feels great. During my first sparring session I took it easy, but when I felt no pain, I switched to normal sparring gloves and never looked back. I don’t think the layoff was a detriment to me. I just wish it had been for a different reason. But I feel excited and refreshed. My weight is on target and I’m raring to go. As the saying goes, ‘There’s no place like home.’ Making my return in Youngstown in front of family and friends is just what the doctor ordered.”

Trainer Jack Leow said “the snap in Kelly’s punches is back. Over the past seven day of training Kelly has returned to his world championship form.” Taking off like a regular stand-up comedian, Leow said “ Kelly is ready to drop Espino more times than Tiger Woods’ trousers!”

Espino acknowledged the fact that he is an underdog in the fight but made it clear “ That doesn’t bother me. It never has. I’ve been training to win this fight. I’ve been training to become a world champion. My trainer John Bray and I have not wasted one moment of training camp.”

Espino conceded “ It’s a tough fight, perhaps the toughest I’ve ever had. But I have full confidence in my abilities as a fighter. If Kelly has chosen to take me lightly, he’s made a big mistake. I can’t wait until Saturday night.”

Trainer John Bray who has been with ERspino for the past ten years said this was “ by far his best training camp. He won’t be overwhelmed by the experience, he will embrace it. We are very appreciative for this opportunity and we intend to make the most of it. Kelly Pavlik is a very talented fighter. He is a good champion, a strong champion. But we have prepared well. Miguel is ready. This is going to be a great fight and a great night for boxing.”


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 1)
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 04 Nov 2025
  • MATCHROOM BOXING ANNOUNCES HISTORIC ‘LIVE FROM GHANA’ EVENT FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 AS CRAIG RICHARDS AND DAN AZEEZ COLLIDE IN ACCRA – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN
    , Tue, 04 Nov 2025
  • Bryce Mills Defeats James Bernadin  By Unanimous Decision
    , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • NBA Daily: Wembanyama Struggles as Suns Give Spurs First Loss 130-118
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Oklahoma City Thunder the only undefeated NBA Team
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • RP Blu Boys Close Out Strong with Unbeaten Record in Japan Tournament
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Pero Outlasts Thompson in Orlando, Secures Unanimous Decision Victory
    , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Jonas Magpantay Crowned Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Champion
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Nov 2025
  • Jonas Magpantay reaches Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Finals
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • Pistons defeated Mavericks in NBA Game 34 in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • GM Antonio finishes 14th in World Senior Standard event
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • NONITO DONAIRE FIGHTS SEIYA TSUTSUMI FOR THE WBA BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • Luka Dončić Equals Wilt Chamberlain’s Historic Scoring Feat
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA II RESULTS: JERUSALEM, TAPALES, MARCIAL LEAD WINNERS
    By Eric Armit, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • Last Pinoy Standing: Jonas Magpantay marches into semis in Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 02 Nov 2025
  • WEIGHTS FROM NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS XXXVII AT MOTORCITY CASINO HOTEL
    , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • 3 Filipinos Reach Qatar World Cup 10-Ball Last 16, Biado Out
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.