Pavlik Readying Self For April Defense Vs. Martinez

World middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik is in the ring today, training at the South Side Gym in Youngstown, Ohio to prepare for his upcoming title defense against Sergio Martinez of Argentina.

Pavlik shook out today in front of local media at the South Side. He is with his chief trainer, Jack Loew. Pavlik said he was anxious to take on Martinez in a world championship fight scheduled April 17 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.  

In Pavlik's last world title fight on December 19, he stopped Miguel Espino (20-2-1) at the Beeghly Center in Youngstown. Pavlik scored two early knockdowns, both with left uppercuts that dropped Espino. Kelly scored another knockdown with a three-punch combination – left uppercut, left hook, right hand – in the 5th round. Espino's corner signalled the end, and the referee stopped the fight at 1:44. After the fight, Kelly said, “Espino was he determined. He came to fight and it was a good gut check for me.”

Pavlik vs Martinez is promoted by Top Rank, DiBella Entertainment and Caesars Atlantic City.

Tickets, priced at $350, $200, $100 and $50 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, by calling Ticketmaster (800) 736-1420 or online at www.ticketmaster.com