Kelly Pavlik defeats Alfonso Lopez in a majority decision
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Valley native Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik defeated Alfonso Lopez by a majority decision on Saturday night, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in the former middleweight champion's return to the ring after nearly 13 months off.
Pavlik looked rusty and sluggish for most of the fight. Lopez was clearly the aggressor early on, but began to run out of steam in the sixth round after some solid right hands from Pavlik. Pavlik ended the 10th round with a flurry of punches that all but sealed his victory.
The majority decision was scored as follows: 95-95, 98-92, 99-91.
In his post fight press conference, Pavlik admitted he had "ring rust" and gave himself a five on a scale of one to 10. He said that he feels that Lopez only won three rounds. Pavlik said he wants a "big time fight" for his next bout.
Physically, Pavlik says this is the best he has ever felt after a fight including fights that only went four rounds.
With the win, Pavlik improves to 37-2, with 32 of those wins coming by knockout. It was the first professional loss for Lopez.
This is Pavlik's first return to the ring since being released from the Betty Ford Center earlier this year.
Below is how 21 WFMJ Sports Director Dana Balash Tweeted each round of the fight. 21 Sports is in Las Vegas and will have post fight comments Sunday night at six on 21 Sports.
Round by Round Tweets from Sports Director Dana Balash
Pavlik goes 37-2, first loss for Lopez. Dana Balash is in Las Vegas and will have reaction from Pavlik.
Decision - Judges scores 95-95, 98-92, 99-91 and Pavlik wins.
Round #10 - Lopez combination. Pavlik left hook, good combination by Pavlik. Pavlik has blood from eye.
Round #9 - Lopez told to bring punches up. Lopez being the aggressor. Pavlik with right hand. Lopez with combination and hook.
Round #8 - Pavlik with body shot. Lopez still tying Pavlik up. Round ends with a flurry by both fighters. Right now, still a draw.
Round #7 - Lopez with body shot. Pavlik right hand, low blow by Pavlik. Lopez combination. Fight too close to call after 7 rounds.
Round #6 - Lopez slowing down, not as sharp as earlier. Pavlik connects with 2 rights and body shot. Pavlik's best round.
Round #5 - Loew tells Pavlik in between rounds he needs to get busy. Lopez is the busier fighter. Lopez tying Pavlik up. Pavlik connects with right, Pavlik with left hook.
Round #4 - Lopez comes out firing. Pavlik suffers head butt. Pavlik not sharp. Pavlik connects with left hook. Lopez gets in a couple of body shots.
Round #3 - Pavlik works body first 10-seconds of round. Pavlik connects with right hand. Lopez with a nice jab.
Round #2 - Lopez with combination and Pavlik with right. Lopez using the entire ring. Pavlik and Lopez exchange combinations.
Round #1 - Pavlik takes a left hook and looks a little rusty.
