Lawmakers to honor ‘The Ghost’

Vindicator staff report

COLUMBUS — Lawmakers plan to honor middleweight boxing champ Kelly Pavlik next week during voting sessions at the Statehouse

Honorary resolutions will be presented to the boxer nicknamed “The Ghost” on Wednesday starting at 1:30 p.m.

Sen. Joe Schiavoni, a Democrat from Canfield, is sponsoring the Senate version, which touts Pavlik’s “exceptional form, ability and dedication.”

It continues, “Throughout intense training and preparation, Kelly Pavlik has consistently demonstrated the talent, integrity and motivation that are the hallmarks of a true champion. He has thrilled his fans, gained the respect of his opponents and made his coaches and family very proud.”

Pavlik is the reigning world middleweight champion and has a record of 36-1, with 32 knockouts.

Schiavoni was formerly an attorney for Pavlik.

Pavlik won the WBC and WBO middleweight titles in September 2007 with a seventh-round knockout of Jermain Taylor.

He has since defended his title three times, the last two coming in Youngstown against Marco Antonio Rubio and Miguel Espino.

Pavlik’s camp is in negotiations with middleweight contender Sergio Martinez for an April bout, possibly in Atlantic City.