One year ago, Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik transformed himself from the No. 1 middleweight contender into world middleweight champion and boxing folk hero.

It was on Saturday, September 29, 2007, in Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, that Pavlik pulled himself off the canvas after a second round knockdown, served up by undefeated defending champion Jermain Taylor, to come roaring back, knocking out Taylor in the seventh round.

More than just the passing of the torch for one of boxing's most hallowed titles, Pavlik's victory single-handedly rejuvenated interest in the sport.

Beyond his punching power and gun-slinger style of fighting, media and fans alike have embraced Pavlik for his dedication to civic duty and his self-deprecating sense of humor, which first surfaced hours after his world title victory when he made fun of himself after he discovered on his flight home to Youngstown that he had left his purse check in his Atlantic City hotel room!

Since winning the title, Pavlik, 34-0 (30), defeated Taylor in a February rematch, fought at super middleweight in Las Vegas and knocked out No. 1 middleweight contender Gary Lockett in the third round of his first world title defense, fought in June, at Boardwalk Hall.

In less than three weeks, on Saturday, October 18, Pavlik will take on two-division world champion and living legend Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins, 48-5-1 (32), broadcast live via HBO Pay-Per-View from Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, where he has become a proven gate attraction.

His fight with Hopkins, which will be fought at light heavyweight, will be Pavlik's third bout in as many different weight classes, all fought within a nine month period.

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