- Photo by Chris Farina-Top Rank
Early this week Kelly Pavlik and WBC No. 3-rated middleweight contender Miguel Espino from Los Angeles hosted their final presser before colliding on Saturday, December 19 at the Beeghly Center at Youngstown State University.
Miguel Espino might just be a tune up fight for Pavlik but for Espino is more than just being the under dog. This is the biggest opportunity of his life. Espino was part of the West Coast Team in the reality TV show The Contender, unfortunately he was sent home when he lost to Peter Manfredo on points.
Pavlik was scheduled to fight the most feared boxer in the middleweight class, Paul Williams on Dec. 5 in Atlantic City, N.J., but had to withdraw when a doctor wouldn’t clear him for the date because he needed more time to heal from a MRSA staph infection.
Pavlik’s promoter wanted to keep him active so Bob Arum just like they do with Cesar Chavez Jr., they found an unworthy opponent went about locating a potential opponent.
“I don’t think they’re bringing me in to win,” Espino says quietly. “But that doesn’t matter. The great thing about boxing is, when the bell rings, everything is equal. It’s up to me and Kelly then who wins and I know I have my chance.”
Miguel Espino was also quoted saying:“I know I’m not the favorite and I know most people don’t know me and don’t think I have a chance,” Espino said. “But the important thing is that I believe I have a chance. Kelly Pavlik is a great fighter, but he’s not unbeatable. I know that. I have to fight a great fight, but I know I can. It means so much to me and my family, which everything I have is going into this one fight. I know there are people who doubt me, but if you doubt me, you do it at your own risk.”
Editor’s note to Espino: I know the odds are against you and just like Roy Jones Jr. did go and collect a paycheck, you’re making $100,000 just to get in the ring with the Ghost from Youngstown, Ohio, by far the largest paycheck of your career so don’t feel bad if it doesn’t generate any pay-per-views as we all know this is just a tune up fight for Pavlik, but just keep in mind that if you happen to win you, will be making 10 times more on your next championship match, so no pressure and good luck.