By NowBoxing Staff
Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik retained his WBC and WBO middleweight titles tonight against Miguel Espino. Steve Smoger called a halt to the bout at 1:44 of the 5th round. Espino diverted from his initial gameplan and admitted his warrior mentality gave in and caused him to suffered early knockdowns in the fight, playing into Pavlik’s hands.
The fight took place at the Beeghly Center in Youngstown, Ohio. Even though the fight was in Pavlik’s hometown the event failed to sell out and drew a less than expected crowd of 3,409 in a 7,000 seat capacity venue.
On the same night Edwin Valero fought Hector Velazquez in a WBC lightweight title bout. The fight took place in Valero’s home country at Polideportivo Jose Maria Vargas in La Guaira, Caracas, Venezuela. WBC Lightweight champion Edwin Valero of Venazuela defeated former Manny Pacquiao foe Hector Velazquez in 6 rounds by TKO, Velazquez did not come out for the 7th round. Valero suffered a cut to the bridge of his nose due to a headbutt in the fight.
Next for Valero is a February 6 fight on the cable network SHOWTIME against mandatory challenger Antonio DeMarco.
Valero is hoping for a chance to fight on the undercard of the super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. on March 13, 2010.
Both Valero and Pavlik are promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank Promotions.
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