The entire city of Youngstown has been busy Saturday preparing for Kelly Pavlik's fight.
The Beeghly Center was full of excitement as workers prepared for the big fight. Workers have been planning and preparing for weeks.
Shannon Tirone, Executive Director of Events said, "We actually got a call a week before Thanksgiving and started with the planning and preparation."
It's been 10 months since Pavlik took to the ring and Youngstown is ready to see their hometown hero box again. But preparing hasn't been easy and dozens will be on staff at Youngstown State to keep the boxing match running smoothly.
"From our police to our facilities, from our staff and such, we probably have a good 40-45 employees on staff that will be on campus during the fight itself, but there are many more that were part of the preparation in the weeks before," added Tirone.
The Beehgly Center isn't the only place preparing for the bout. Pavlik's own bar, the 13th Round in Struthers, has been planning for this night for a long time.
Matt Hufnagel, 13th Round Co-Owner, shares in everyone's excitement.
"We're very excited. Kelly's fighting. Everybody, the employees and the staff, and the phone's been ringing off the hook. People can't wait for him to fight. We're all supportive of him and we're glad to see him in the ring and we're gonna have a great night."
Hufnagel said Pavlik himself will be at the bar after the match...win or lose.
"Kelly, of course, will be down here after the fight to say hello to all his fans."
As we told you Friday, there is some concern that the fight might be blacked out at local bars. But if a bar paid for the fight before yesterday, they should still be allowed to show it. If they tried to buy it today, they might be out of luck, so if you planned on going somewhere to watch the fight, make sure the establishment you go to is showing it.
