Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Air Force honors Kelly Pavlik with aircraft

Kelly Pavlik

Richard Brian

Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik of Youngstown, Ohio, hits a speed bag during a workout at the MGM Garden Arena.

Professional boxer Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik is well-known for his loyalty to his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio. On Tuesday, the 910th Airlift Wing stationed there will show him some of the city's gratitude.

The unit's commander Col. Karl McGregor will be in attendance Tuesday during the unveiling of a C-130H Hercules cargo transport aircraft, customized to honor the current WBO/WBC middleweight champion. The nose art on the aircraft reads "Kelly 'The Ghost' Pavlik - the Pride of Youngstown."

The art was painted by Senior Airman Chichele Kennedy, who will also be in attendance Tuesday for the unveiling of the aircraft.

Pavlik (35-1, 30 KO) last fought in Las Vegas in February 2008 against Jermain Taylor at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Pavlik earned a unanimous decision victory in that fight. His only loss came at the hands of Bernard Hopkins in Atlantic City in October 2008.

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