Kelly Pavlik returns to action on December 19 in his homestead of Youngstown, Ohio when he defends his WBC and WBO middleweight titles against top ranked contender Miguel Espino.The ‘Ghost’, 35-1 (31 KOs), said he is focused on the challenge despite being out of action for much of the year due to an infection in his hand and insists Espino won’t ruin his Christmas.

“It’s great to be back training and it’s great to be defending my titles in Youngstown,” said Pavlik, who bounced back from his only defeat at the hands of Bernard Hopkins with a comfortable ninth round victory over Marco Antonio Rubio.

“Jack Loew and I are taking nothing for granted which is why we decided to set up training in Las Vegas.  We are 110% focused on Espino and the best way to avoid the distractions of the holidays is to isolate ourselves in the desert.” 

He added: “I’m not going to allow Espino to be the Grinch who took my world title.” 
 
Pavlik’s trainer Loew added his own take on the festive fight: “It’s going to be ‘Seasons Beatings’ for Señor Espino. Nothing but lumps of coal in his stocking plus a few lumps on his head.”

Espino, 20-2-1 (9 KOs), was part of the first season of NBC’s The Contender, losing out to finalist Peter Manfredo Jr, and issued a warning of his own to Pavlik.
 
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I intend to make the most of it,” said Espino.

“All fighters dream of the chance to fight for a world title and now I am living that dream.  I know I am the underdog in this fight but that is what is inspiring me. 

"No sacrifice will be too large in preparing for this fight.  If Pavlik takes me lightly he’ll be making a big mistake.” 

Todd duBoef, president of fight promoter Top Rank, praised Pavlik’s ability to overcome adversity both in and out of the ring.
 
"Kelly Pavlik is a superstar because he has always accepted the biggest challenges,” said duBoef. 

“He’s endured a lot since his last title defense. To come back from his staph infection and the life-threatening complications he suffered due to his allergic reaction to the antibiotic prescribed is the stuff of legends. 

“In life, just as in the ring, Kelly Pavlik may get knocked down, but you can never count him out.

The Pavlik-Espino fight will be broadcast as a double header beginning Arena Itson in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico with WBC super featherweight champion Humberto Soto (49-7-2, 32 KOs), of Los Mochis, Mexico taking on two-time world champion Jesus Chavez (44-6, 30 KOs), of Austin, Texas, before turning to Ohio for the main event.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to present this two-country world championship doubleheader,” said duBoef. “It has the makings of a great night of boxing, whether you’re seeing it live or live on pay-per-view.”