It's been more than six months since Kelly Pavlik fought in the ring. And for the foreseeable future, it will be last time "The Ghost" will be doing any fighting inside a ropes.
Pavlik announced Saturday that he is retiring from the sport of boxing. The Lowellville native will finish with a career record of 40-2-0.
"I look back and look at my career, and I had a great career, " Pavlik told Tribune Chronicle news partner Channel 33 on Saturday. "I was pro 12-and-a-half years, I won the world title, I defended it for three years. I made good money. Some guys want to take a lot of fights, but their health becomes a part of it."
Pavlik stated health concerns being the main reason for his choice for retirement.
Pavlik has no immediate health issues, but he's not going to take the risk for himself and for his family.
"I've been fortunate enough not to get really knocked out like Pac just did or beat real bad and I've been fortunate enough. If my heart isn't 100 in it right now, then it's kind of dangerous for my health. And it's selfish for my family too."
Pavlik was scheduled to fight Andre Ward Jan. 26, but it was cancelled due to Ward having to undergo shoulder surgery. The Ghost said that was also a determining factor in his decision.
While he wouldn't completely rule out a return to the ring at some point, Pavlik did say he's 90 percent sure he won't be back.
