American · Youngstown, USA · Born 10 October 1972American professional boxer who held the WBC and WBO middleweight titles, known for his devastating left hook and knockout power in the middleweight division.
Kelly Pavlik is a Youngstown, Ohio boxer who became one of the most popular champions of his era, winning the WBC and WBO middleweight titles with a stunning comeback knockout of Jermain Taylor in their 2007 rematch. Known as 'The Ghost' for his fighting style and pale appearance, Pavlik drew large crowds and was seen as boxing's next great hope at middleweight before personal battles with alcohol hampered his career.
Famous For
Middleweight champion who defeated Jermain Taylor twice
Playing Style
How They Played
Orthodox pressure fighter with devastating left hook
Legacy
Lasting Impact
One of the best American middleweights of the 2000s
Honours & Achievements
Career Honours
- WBC Middleweight Champion 2007–2010
- WBO Middleweight Champion 2007–2010
- The Ring Magazine Middleweight Champion 2007–2010
- The Ring Magazine Fight of the Year 2007 (vs. Jermain Taylor I)
- The Ring Magazine Upset of the Year 2007 (vs. Jermain Taylor I)
- WBC Super Middleweight Champion 2010
- ESPN.com Fighter of the Year 2007
- United States Amateur Boxing Champion
Career Journey
Timeline
2000
📌 Professional boxing debut
2007
🏆 Won WBC/WBO middleweight titles vs Jermain Taylor
2008
🏆 Defeated Jermain Taylor in rematch
2008
🏆 Defeated Gary Lockett to retain titles
2009
📌 Lost titles to Sergio Martinez
2012
📌 Announced retirement from professional boxing
American Athletes