Last year I blogged about a boxer named Kelly Pavlik. Fighting on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley bout, he was the feel good story about overcoming addiction. For those of you wondering. Here is a follow up on how our friend Kelly is doing.
Nearly two years have passed since Kelly Pavlik lost the middleweight championship to Sergio Martinez, and 10 months have passed since Pavlik's only fight since -- a shaky decision win against Alfonso Lopez on the Pacquiao- Mosley undercard.
Rocky Road
After angering his promoter by walking out on a fight he was then arrested on a DUI charge in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. This reported at ESPN.
Once again, Kelly has gotten back off the canvas. He is trying to overcome his demons and train his way back into the ring.
Leaving Ohio for a fresh start in Oxnard, California, Pavlik is set to fight featherweight Frankie Leal (17-5-3, 10 KOs) of Mexico in a 10-round bout.
Clean and sober for more than four months now, Kelly claims he is in the best shape of his life. Hopefully he will maintain his sobriety and claim the success his God-given talents offer. Of all people, Kelly Pavlik understands the need for California DUI classes and counseling.