[Interview] Kelly Pavlik: Life Is Good On The Comeback Trail
Still don’t think one loss can completely derail a career? Look no further than former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, who began a downward spiral following a competitive April 2010 loss to Sergio Martinez that many believed he would never emerge from. Plagued by freak injuries (hand staph infection), big fight cancellations (Paul Williams) and well-documented alcoholism, Pavlik seemed fated to be a shooting star — emerging brilliantly but ultimately extinguishing at its apex.
It’s been a slow comeback climb, but at 30-years-old and 12 years deep in the Sweet Science, Pavlik has emerged from the lowest point on his career.
After only fighting once in 2011, he’s notched two dominant KOs this year of lesser talents, leading to tomorrow night’s HBO showcase against Will Rosinsky. Another good win and Pavlik will find himself back in the hunt to secure his first big name fight since 2010. Add on a personal life that’s now stable, and you’ll understand why Kelly Pavlik is optimistic about his future endeavors.
TheWellVersed: Congrats on the KO in your last fight against Scott Sigmon. Was it planned to stay on the inside so much and break him down?
Kelly Pavlik: Did I stay on the inside a little too much? Yeah, I didn’t listen to Robert as he was telling me to find my distance. I think overall the body work, how I put my punches together and the counter-punching, everything turned out good.
TWV: Tell us about the focus you’ve shown lately in developing your left hand.
Pavlik: We worked on that left hand over and over. A hook to the head and off that hook to the body and hook back to the head. People know I have a powerful right hand and I have a good jab. The hook is something we worked on religiously over and over. The habit of using that bore out in the fight.
