Now based in Oxnard, California and working under new trainer, Robert Garcia, Kelly Pavlik (37-2, 32 KOs), version 2.0, will return to the ring this Saturday, March 31 at the Illusions Theater in San Antonio, Texas as part of the untelevised portion of the Top Rank Live telecast on the Azteca America network.
Pavlik, who has dealt with a variety of personal issues ranging from alcohol addiction to a staph infection, has only fought once in two years and looked flat in his last bout, a majority decision win, over Alfonso Lopez last May. This will be his first contest under the tutelage of Garcia.
“I’m not nervous, but I do want to look good, so there’s a good amount of pressure from that,” The former undisputed middleweight champ told Vindy.com. “I know it’s just my second fight in two years so I really shouldn’t feel that way, but I do.”
And if Pavlik wants to look good, he will definitely be up against the right guy on Saturday night.
The 35-year-old Aaron “Jedi” Jaco (15-2, 5 KOs), has only fought once in five years, logging one round since November of 2006, and has never fought outside of the Florida club scene. His two losses, both stoppages, have come against Rodney Moore (7-13-5) and 2008 winner of The Boxing Tribune’s “Hey, that guy works at Footlocker” award for most pedestrian fighter in a main stage fight, Chad Van Sickle (18-1-2).
To add credence to the fact that this will likely be an ugly blow-out, this light heavyweight attraction will be buried off-TV. However, The Boxing Tribune will have access to the fight and will provide full coverage.
If victorious, Pavlik has a tentative June 2 date on ESPN Friday Night Fights as well as plans to fight in September.
“Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for exclusives and other bonus material from Boxing’s Independent Media. You can also keep track of all the latest in boxing news and views by downloading our safe & free toolbar:
Leave a Reply