Kelly Pavlik Gets Back to Work With Robert Garcia

by Scott Christ on Jan 16, 2012 6:22 PM EST in Boxing News Analysis

Robert Garcia has added another fighter to his stable, as troubled former middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik has reported for camp in California. Garcia tweeted this photo today of the two of them in the gym:

While Pavlik (37-2, 32 KO) has definitely had his out-of-ring issues in the last three years (including a recent DUI arrest), this is a good and very big first step. Getting him focused on his career, and frankly getting him out of Ohio, can't be anything but good, really. If he's even going to have a fighting chance of getting his career back on track, he had to do something like this, and Garcia was an excellent choice to replace Jack Loew.

Pavlik is looking to return in the spring, probably with a tune-up sort of fight as he's had only one bout since losing his middleweight championship to Sergio Martinez in April 2010, and Kelly wasn't exactly aces in that fight with Alfonso Lopez. There is surely a ton of work to do if he's going to get back to his former level, but Pavlik has time on his side to mount a comeback if he can dedicate himself to doing it -- and obviously, that's no sure thing. We'll see with Kelly Pavlik, but at least he's gotten himself started.

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Pavlik, but at least he’s gotten himself started.

It’s a very big first step, but he has a loooong way to go. Even if he comes back and wins two or three against second level opposition, that would be great redemption for him. He needs to craft realistic goals and not get ahead of himself. One fight at a time. One step at a time. One meeting every day. He can make it. Millions of others have. I’m pulling for him.

"I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me. It would be a better world."
—Muhammad Ali…

by Boss Man on Jan 16, 2012 6:36 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I hate to be a naysayer, but I don’t see this going well.

I thought Pavlik was always on the edge of being very good, if he kept himself completely focused and together. But I don’t think he ever threatened to be great, or more than momentarily noticeable.

Now, he’s got a problem that I don’t believe anyone ever really beats, and he can’t walk such a fine edge at the same time. Terrible to say, I know, but I think things will go south on him again.

by DrRck on Jan 16, 2012 11:30 PM EST reply actions

Garcia has some bad asses in his gym

If KP can make it there he can (hopefully) make it anywhere.
But as the Boss said above: One day, one step at a time.

"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali

by pakinpower on Jan 17, 2012 1:51 AM EST reply actions

I don’t know for sure, of course, but it just seems like a really relaxed work environment. That might be just what the doctor ordered for Pavlik. Maybe not, too — it’s on Kelly. But I just think this seems like as good an option as is possible for Kelly. It is on paper a good fit if Kelly is serious.

Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."

by Scott Christ on Jan 17, 2012 2:04 AM EST up reply actions

I think the posse their is all balls to the wall. It may not be Kronk of old but Robert Garcia keeps a stong contigent of bad asses in his gym.

KP will need all the help and motivation he can get. The kid is in trouble and if he doesnt get it turned around, I think he’s given us plenty of reason to be very concerned.

"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
---- Muhammed Ali

by pakinpower on Jan 17, 2012 2:13 AM EST up reply actions