Top Rank Boxing: Kelly Pavlik vs. Sergio Martinez Heats Up

Jack Loew, trainer of World Middleweight Champion Kelly Pavlik, has heard it all as he and Pavlik made their unlikely climb to the pinnacle of boxing.

But this time he has heard enough – enough from Lou DiBella, promoter of WBC super welterweight champion Sergio Martinez. Martinez challenges Pavlik, Saturday, April 17, at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. HBO will televise the fight live, beginning at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.

“Lou DiBella made a comment at the press conference announcing Kelly’s fight with Martinez, comparing Martinez to Carlos Monzon,” said Loew.

“DiBella may be a good promoter but he is no boxing historian. He wouldn’t know Carlos Monzon from Gorilla Monsoon. Make no mistake. Sergio Martinez will lose to Kelly Pavlik and Lou DiBella will go 0 for 3 against Youngstown. Three strikes Lou. You’re out.”

Jermain Taylor, who lost his undefeated record and his World Middleweight crown to Pavlik in 2007, in front of thousands of Youngstown’s faithful in Boardwalk Hall, and the ensuing rematch in Las Vegas in 2008, was promoted by DiBella.

Combined, Pavlik (36-1, 32 KOs), of Youngstown, OH, and Martinez (44-2-2, 24 KOs), of Argentina, now fighting out of Spain, boast an incredible record of 80-3-2 (56 KOs), a winning percentage of 94% and a victory by knockout ratio of 70%!

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with DiBella Entertainment and Caesars Atlantic City, remaining Tickets, priced at $350, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office, by calling Ticketmaster (800) 736-1420 or online at www.Ticketmaster.com.