Kelly Pavlik, known as “The Ghost,” remains a legend in boxing history for his gritty style and blue-collar background. Even years after his retirement, fans are curious about the financial legacy he built during his time as the unified middleweight champion.
In this article, you will know Kelly Pavlik’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Kelly Pavlik’s Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Robert Pavlik |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1982 |
| Age | 43 (as of 2025) |
| Education | Lowellville High School |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 1/2 in (189 cm) |
| Weight Class | Middleweight, Super Middleweight |
| Turned Pro | 2000 |
| Net Worth | $6 Million (Estimate) |
| Career Earnings | $12 Million+ (Estimate) |
| Wife | Samantha Pavlik |
| Children | Sydney (daughter), Son (born 2009) |
| Nickname | The Ghost |
Early Career
Kelly Pavlik grew up in the tough neighborhoods of Youngstown, Ohio, which shaped his fighting spirit. He started boxing at a young age and had a very successful run as an amateur. He finished his amateur days with an impressive record of 89 wins and only 9 losses.
During this time, he won several major tournaments. He was the 1998 National Junior Golden Gloves Welterweight Champion and the 1999 U.S. National Under-19 Champion. His amateur journey hit a roadblock when he lost to Jermain Taylor in the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team trials.
This loss set the stage for their famous professional rivalry years later. Instead of waiting for another Olympic chance, Pavlik decided to turn professional in 2000.
Professional Career
Pavlik began his pro journey quietly, winning his first 26 fights while flying under the radar. He gained serious attention in 2005 after defeating Fulgencio Zúñiga to win the vacant NABF Middleweight title.
His power was undeniable, and he knocked out opponent after opponent, earning a shot at the middleweight title against Jermain Taylor in 2007.
That fight became a classic. Pavlik was knocked down in the second round but came back to knock Taylor out in the seventh round to become the unified middleweight champion. This victory made him a superstar. He defeated Taylor again in a rematch and defended his titles successfully against Gary Lockett.
However, he faced setbacks later, losing to boxing legend Bernard Hopkins in a non-title fight and eventually losing his middleweight belts to Sergio Martínez in 2010. He retired in 2013 with a strong legacy as a champion who never backed down.
Kelly Pavlik’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Kelly Pavlik’s net worth is estimated to be around $6 million. He earned the bulk of his wealth during his peak years as the middleweight champion, securing multi-million dollar paydays for his biggest bouts.
Fight Purses
| Opponent | Year | Purse Amount | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jermain Taylor (Rematch) | 2008 | $2,500,000 | Win |
| Bernard Hopkins | 2008 | $3,000,000 | Loss |
| Gary Lockett | 2008 | $2,500,000 | Win |
| Jermain Taylor (First Fight) | 2007 | ~$1,050,000 | Win |
| Steve Cunningham | 2012 | $50,000 | Win (Cancelled bout context) |
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Major Earnings | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | $1.5 Million+ | Won Title vs. Taylor, Title Defense |
| 2008 | $8 Million+ | Taylor Rematch, Lockett & Hopkins Fights |
| 2009-2010 | $2 – $4 Million | Title Defenses, Martinez Fight |
| 2011-2012 | < $500,000 | Comeback Fights |
Endorsements
Unlike some boxers who chase flashy deals, Pavlik kept it local and simple. He had a notable endorsement deal with Affliction Clothing, which paid him around $100,000.
Locally in Ohio, he was a hero and received perks like a free SUV from a Chevrolet dealership in exchange for signing autographs and appearing in commercials. He largely relied on his fight purses rather than outside sponsorship money.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record Details |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 42 |
| Wins | 40 |
| Wins by KO | 34 |
| Losses | 2 |
| Draws | 0 |
| KO Percentage | 81% |
FAQs
1. Who did Kelly Pavlik lose to in his boxing career?
He lost only two fights in his entire professional career. His first loss was a decision against Bernard Hopkins in 2008, and his second was to Sergio Martínez in 2010.
2. What is Kelly Pavlik doing now after retirement?
After retiring, he started a podcast called The Punchline and opened a fitness gym called Mi Gym in Ohio. He focuses on training others and stays involved in boxing commentary.
3. Why did Kelly Pavlik retire from boxing early?
He retired in 2013 at age 30 due to health concerns, including seizures, and a desire to leave the sport with his faculties intact. He also cited fading passion for fighting.
4. Did Kelly Pavlik ever fight Jermain Taylor again?
Yes, they fought twice. Pavlik knocked Taylor out in their first meeting to win the title, and then defeated him again by unanimous decision in a rematch fought at a higher weight.
5. How much money did Dana White lose betting on Pavlik?
UFC President Dana White famously bet $1 million that Jermain Taylor would beat Pavlik in their first fight. When Pavlik won, White lost the entire million-dollar wager.
