Pavlik could make first title defense in Atlantic City

Youngstown middleweight Kelly Pavlik will likely make his first title defense in Atlantic City, not New York City, on June 7.

Pavlik was originally expected to fight Irishman John Duddy at Madison Square Garden on that date, but Duddy sustained several cuts in last week's bout against Walid Smichet, prompting Pavlik's representatives to move in a different direction.

Pavlik, who holds the WBC and WBO belts, will probably fight either Marco Antonio Rubio or Giovanni Lorenzo in June, according to several sources. Two other opponents have entered the picture in recent days: Gary Lockett (the WBO's No. 1 contender) and Randy Griffin (the No. 1 contender for the WBA title, which is held by Felix Sturm).

Duddy has a huge following in New York, which is why Madison Square Garden was seen as an attractive location. But without Duddy -- or Felix Trinidad, who was also rumored to be an opponent in recent weeks -- the Garden is not economically feasible. Due to the large following Pavlik had in Atlantic City for last September's bout against Jermain Taylor, boxing representatives from the city are eager to see Pavlik fight there again.

For more details, read Friday's Vindicator or visit Vindy.com.