Pavlik vs Rubio: Rubio Confident in Secret Plan to Dethrone Pavlik

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO (February 18, 2009) – No. 1 contender and mandatory challenger MARCO ANTONIO RUBIO worked out in front of a full media contingent yesterday in Youngstown, including two network affiliate television stations which broadcast live from the gym. Rubio challenges World Middleweight Champion KELLY “The Ghost” PAVLIK this Saturday, February 21, at the sold-out Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown, Ohio. The Pavlik-Rubio rumble headlines a two-city / two-world title doubleheader broadcast Live on Pay-Per-View..

“I have a secret plan that will not only take the world title belt from Pavlik, but will produce a knockout in front of all his fans,’ proclaimed Rubio. “I really enjoy Youngstown and I look forward to showing Pavlik and his team around Mexico when they come down for the rematch to try to reclaim my title.”

Let’s hope Rubio’s gesture is enough to preserve NAFTA between Mexico and Youngstown!

“Pavlik’s fate is sealed like one of trainer Jack Loew’s driveways. I hope Loew hasn’t quit his day job,” added Ramon Rodriguez, one of Rubio’s cornermen. “At least Marco will be able to patch Pavlik up after he cuts him down to size this Saturday night.” Rubio graduated from nursing school seven years ago.

Pavlik (34-1, 30 KOs), from Youngstown, Ohio, vs. Rubio (43-4-1, 38 KOs), of Torreón, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico, headlines an exciting card at the Chevrolet Centre.

Top Rank presents a tale of two cities. Two-division world champion MIGUEL COTTO of Caguas, Puerto Rico, and top-rated contender MICHAEL JENNINGS of Chorley, England, will fight for the vacant World Boxing Organization welterweight title at Madison Square Garden. The pay-per-view undercard will feature undefeated Top-Five contender “Ireland’s” JOHN DUDDY going mano-a-mano with Matt “The Predator” Vanda in a 10-round middleweight bout and former Russian Olympian and World Amateur Champion Mat Korobov, also at Madison Square Garden. The pay-per-view broadcast will then switch to the Chevrolet Centre for Pavlik vs. Rubio as the finale of this four-bout two-city / two-title pay-per-view extravaganza.

Produced and distributed by Top Rank, the Cotto vs. Jennings / Pavlik vs. Rubio four-bout pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $44.95. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. For Cotto vs. Jennings / Pavlik vs. Rubio fight week updates, log on to www.toprank.com.